5G doesn’t need different pricing but ARPU of industry must go up: Airtel CEO

Bharti Airtel CEO Gopal Vittal says the telecom industry in India must focus on increasing average revenue per user (ARPU) to improve its financial health. The industry’s current return on capital is only 8%, similar to that of a fixed deposit. ARPU in India is the lowest globally, with the aim of raising it to Rs 300 in the long run. The 5G rollout is at a rapid pace, covering 3,500 cities so far, and the company’s capital expenditure is in line with its three-year plan.