The long-term prospects for CDMA are challenging, and according to TRAI, at a time when the subscriber base for GSM increased by 65% in the last three years, CDMA recorded a decline of 30%. ARPU for in Dec-2012 for GSM (Airtel) was Rs 185 and that for CDMA (RCom) was Rs 117 a difference of 60%. RCom ARPU includes that of GSM as well.
Separately, we believe there could be a potential voluntary exit by CDMA players, provided the government/regulator agrees to compensate the CDMA players for forming the E-GSM band. We note that GSM players have suggested forming of the E-GSM band, which should release addition spectrum in