The 2026 telecom shake-up: What's next for Vodafone India, Starlink, and your phone bill?

Dear reader, as 2025, a year of global tumult and volatility, rolls by, Mint's reporters and columnists look around the corner on what is coming in 2026—to help you know what to expect and prepare for it. Tell us what you think at [email protected].As India’s telecom sector moves into 2026, the stage is set for major, high-stakes developments.

Vodafone Idea Ltd will be under the spotlight, aiming for a turnaround with government support, while satellite broadband player Starlink is set to test new markets in the country.The success of upcoming spectrum auctions, potential tariff hikes, and the execution of digital infrastructure projects by operators are also likely to significantly influence the sector starting next year, analysts said.With the government reviewing Vodafone Idea’s adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues following the Supreme Court order, any relief will be crucial for the company to raise fresh funding, invest in its network, and stabilize its subscriber base in a market dominated by Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel with a 75% market share.“AGR relief itself should be a very meaningful shot in the arm, and it should result in Vodafone being able to raise bank funding as well,” said Vivekanand Subbaraman, lead analyst for telecom and media at financial solutions provider Ambit Capital. While Subbaraman expected a competitive three-player telecom market to emerge in 2027-28, he saw Vodafone Idea's customer base stabilizing by 2026 end.AGR represents the income calculated from telecom operators’ total revenues, serving as the basis for regulatory fee payments.“I expect that the government relief should be forthcoming by March and then maybe fundraising by June 2026 and (network) deployment of that by September