Category Archives: telecommunications

Meet Srini Gopalan, IIM Ahmedabad alumnus turned T-Mobile’s new CEO

**Meet Srini Gopalan, IIM Ahmedabad Alumnus Turned T-Mobile’s New CEO**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 22, 2025, 08:00 PM*

**T-Mobile Announces Leadership Change**

T-Mobile has named its current Chief Operating Officer (COO), Srini Gopalan, as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective November 1, 2025. Gopalan will succeed Mike Sievert, who has led the company since April 2020 and will transition into a vice chairman role.

**Gopalan’s Journey at T-Mobile**

Srini Gopalan joined T-Mobile in March 2023 and quickly became a key driver of the company’s strategic initiatives. Prior to serving as COO, he was a member of T-Mobile’s board of directors. His leadership has been pivotal in advancing T-Mobile’s growth and innovation in the competitive telecom sector.

**A Track Record of Success at Deutsche Telekom**

Before joining T-Mobile, Gopalan led Deutsche Telekom’s Germany business, where he achieved remarkable growth by doubling the company’s expansion. Under his guidance, fiber-optic services were extended to millions of homes, and the company captured a record share of the mobile market.

During his time on Deutsche Telekom’s board overseeing European operations, Gopalan was credited with transforming the business into one of Europe’s fastest-growing telecom players, renowned for industry-leading customer satisfaction.

**Diverse Experience Across Telecom and Finance**

Gopalan’s extensive career includes senior roles at prominent companies such as Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, and Capital One. Across these roles, he has championed operational excellence, digital transformation, and customer-focused strategies, solidifying his reputation as a visionary leader.

**Academic Background**

Born in India, Srini Gopalan completed his undergraduate studies in business administration at St. Stephen’s College in New Delhi. He later earned his MBA from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad. Known for his operational expertise and transformative vision, Gopalan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role at T-Mobile.

With Srini Gopalan at the helm, T-Mobile is poised to continue its dynamic growth and innovation in the telecom industry.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/srini-gopalan-appointed-as-t-mobile-s-new-ceo/story

Vodafone Idea shares rise 9% as Centre seeks AGR solution

**Vodafone Idea Shares Rise 9% as Centre Seeks AGR Solution**

*By Mudit Dube | Sep 19, 2025, 01:27 PM*

Vodafone Idea’s shares surged by a significant 9% on Friday following a positive indication from the Indian government regarding the telecom company’s plea related to Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR).

The Centre informed the Supreme Court that it was not opposing Vodafone Idea’s request and acknowledged that “some solution is required.” This development has brought much-needed relief to the beleaguered telecom operator, whose financial health has been under severe strain due to AGR-related dues.

**Government Stance**

The Centre told the Supreme Court, “Not opposing Vodafone Idea plea, some solution is required, government is also an equity holder. Some solution may be required, subject to Supreme Court approval.”

This statement confirms that the government is not against the company’s request and recognizes its position as a key stakeholder in Vodafone Idea. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case on September 26.

**Background of the Case**

The case stems from a Supreme Court order in March 2020, which upheld AGR dues up to the financial year 2017 and barred reassessment for those periods. Despite this ruling, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) raised fresh claims for the financial years 2018 and 2019.

Vodafone Idea contends that much of the new demand overlaps with settled periods, making the additional claims contentious.

Following the conversion of dues amounting to ₹53,083 crore into equity, the government now owns 48.99% of Vodafone Idea.

With total AGR liabilities approaching ₹2 trillion, Vodafone Idea has warned that the additional claims could threaten its survival, impact 198 million subscribers, and put over 18,000 jobs at risk.

The telecom industry and investors alike are closely monitoring the Supreme Court’s upcoming hearing, hoping for a resolution that ensures the company’s sustainable future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/centre-urges-sc-for-agr-resolution-vodafone-idea-shares-surge/story