Vodafone Idea’s network expansion plans may take a hit on vendor payment jinx

Kolkata: Vodafone Idea’s plans for a speedy expansion of 4G network and launching 5G appears to have got bogged down, with financial negotiations involving European vendors Ericsson and Nokia stuck on payment terms.

People familiar with the matter say Vi is pushing its global vendors to include a clause in the upcoming contracts that gives it the option to clear future dues towards fresh 4G/5G gear buys via a combination of cash and shares.