Rivals in India, partners in British Channel Islands– Vodafone, Airtel

Vodafone and Airtel, India’s leading telecom service providers have always been in news for their rivalry in the Indian market. Be it, tariff pricing, intra-roaming pact or spectrum issue—both telcos have always been considered as the biggest newsmakers in the Indian industry. However, their partnership in the British Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey has never been highlighted since May 2007.

The Bharti Group has been offering 2G and 3G cellular services under a dual brand called Airtel-Vodafone in Jersey and Guernsey. Vodafone’s established presence across the region led to the formation of this partnership.

At the time of formation, Bharti had the licenses to start its venture in the region, however being a new brand; it was difficult for the company to penetrate the market fast. The partnership was part of Vodafone’s ‘partner network strategy’. Vodafone does not have any equity holding in the partnership although it gets a fee for its popular services being used by the Airtel-Vodafone subscribers.

Through this partnership, Airtel brought Vodafone’s various data, voice and roaming services to the customers of Jersey and Guernsey. The Vodafone services that are being provided to the customers include Vodafone Passport, Vodafone Simply, and Vodafone Mobile Connect Card.

According to a leading newspaper, both the companies helped each other in the region. While Vodafone’s popularity helped make Airtel’s job easier in the two Channel Islands, the venture gave Vodafone a presence in the market.