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{{short description|Indian telecommunications company}}
{{Short description|Defunct Indian telecommunications company}}
{{Distinguish|Reliance Jio}}
{{Distinguish|Jio}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2016}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Reliance Communications Limited
| name = Reliance Communications Limited
| logo =  
| logo = [[File:Reliance_Communications_Logo.svg|250px]]
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{Unbulleted list
| traded_as = {{ubl
| {{NSE|RCOM}}
| {{NSE|RCOM}}
| {{BSE|532712}}
| {{BSE|532712}}
}}
}}
| ISIN = INE330H01018
| ISIN = {{ISIN|sl=n|pl=y|INE330H01018}}
| founder = [[Anil Ambani]]
| founder = [[Anil Ambani]]
| area_served = Worldwide
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = {{Unbulleted_list|[[Anil Ambani]]<br>{{small|(Chairman)}}|Bill Barney<br>{{small|(Co-CEO)}}|Manikantan Viswanathnan<br>{{small|(CFO)}}|Prakash Shenoy<br> {{small|(Company Secretary)}}}}
| key_people = Bill Barney (co-CEO){{!}}Srinivasan Gopalan (CFO){{!}}Prakash Shenoy (Company Secretary)
| products = {{Bulleted_list
| products = {{Bulleted_list
| [[Mobile Telephony]]
| [[Mobile telephony]]
| [[Wireless Internet]]
| [[Internet service provider|Wireless internet]]
| [[Digital Television]]
| [[Digital television]]
}}
}}
| industry = [[Telecommunication]]
| industry = [[Telecommunications]]
| fate = Bankruptcy ([[Mobile Telephony|Mobile Network Division]])
| fate = Bankruptcy ([[Mobile Telephony|Mobile Network Division]])
| services = {{Bulleted_list
| services = {{Bulleted_list
| Internet Services
| Internet services
| Network Services
| Network services
| Cloud Networking
| Cloud networking
| Data Center Services
| Data center services
| Enterprise Voice
| Enterprise voice
| Cloud Telephony
| Cloud Telephony
| Collaboration Services
| Collaboration services
| Wholesale Voice
| Wholesale voice
| Value Added Services (VAS)
| Value added services (VAS)
}}
}}
| revenue = {{loss}} ₹40.15 billion<ref name="RCOM">{{cite web|url=https://rcom.co.in/download/conso-se-q1-19-20/|title=Investor Relations – Financial Results|website=Reliance Communications|access-date=28 February 2019}}</ref>
| revenue = {{profit}} {{INR|40.15 billion|link=yes}}<ref name="RCOM">{{cite web |url=https://rcom.co.in/download/conso-se-q1-19-20/ |title=Investor Relations – Financial Results |website=Reliance Communications |access-date=28 February 2019 |archive-date=27 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927165412/https://www.rcom.co.in/download/conso-se-q1-19-20/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| revenue_year = 2019
| revenue_year = 2019
| profit = {{loss}} ₹8.67 billion
| profit = {{loss}} {{INR|8.67 billion|link=yes}}
| profit_year = 2019
| profit_year = 2019
| members = 9,479<ref name="TRAI">{{Cite web|url=https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/PR_No.37of2021.pdf|title=Press Release on Telecom Subscription Data as on 31st October, 2020|website=www.trai.gov.in|date=20 February 2019}}</ref><br />(June 2021)
| members = 0<ref name="TRAI">{{Cite web |url=https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/PR_No.37of2021.pdf |title=Press Release on Telecom Subscription Data as on 31st October, 2020 |website=trai.gov.in |date=20 February 2019 |access-date=5 September 2021 |archive-date=24 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824032427/https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/PR_No.37of2021.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(June 2021)
| num_employees = 3,038 including <br />1,819 permanent employees
| num_employees = 3,038 including <br />1,819 permanent employees
| num_employees_year = 2018
| num_employees_year = 2018
| parent = [[Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group|Reliance ADAG]]
| parent =  
| owners =  
| owners =  
| divisions = {{Unbulleted list
| divisions = {{ubl
| [[Mobile Telephony|Mobile Network]]
| [[Mobile Telephony|Mobile network]]
| [[Internet Services|Internet]]
| [[Internet services|Internet]]
| [[Television]]
| [[Television]]
| [[Business|Enterprise]]
| [[Business|Enterprise]]
}}
}}
| subsid = {{Unbulleted list
| subsid = {{ubl
| [[Global Cloud Xchange]]<br /> [[Digicable]]
| [[Global Cloud Xchange]]<br /> [[Digicable]]
}}
}}
| homepage = {{URL|http://www.rcom.co.in}}
| homepage = {{Official URL}}
| founded = {{Start date and age|15 July 2004||}}
| foundation = {{Start date and age|df=y|2004|7|15}}
| defunct = {{End date and age|df=y|2018|5}}
| hq_location = [[DAKC]]
| hq_location = [[DAKC]]
| hq_location_city = [[Navi Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]]
| hq_location_city = Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
| hq_location_country = [[India]]
| hq_location_country = India
}}
}}
'''Reliance Communications Limited''' ('''RCOM''') was an Indian mobile network provider headquartered in [[Navi Mumbai]] that offered voice and [[2G]] and [[3G]] data services.  
'''Reliance Communications Limited''' ('''RCOM''') was an Indian mobile network provider headquartered in [[Navi Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]] that offered voice and [[2G]] and [[3G]] and 4G data services.  
In February 2019, the company filed for bankruptcy as it was unable to sell assets to repay its debt.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Siddiqui |first1=Danish |title=RCom goes to bankruptcy court to resolve debt burden |url=https://in.reuters.com/article/rcom-debt/rcom-goes-to-bankruptcy-court-to-resolve-debt-burden-idINKCN1PQ4WT |access-date=28 February 2019 |work=Reuters |date=1 February 2019}}</ref> It has an estimated debt of {{INR|50,000 crore}} against assets worth {{INR|18,000 crore}}.<ref>{{cite news|last1=ET Bureau|title=RCom to move NCLT to offload assets, repay debt |url=https://m.economictimes.com/industry/telecom/anil-ambani-cant-find-a-fix-for-rcom-files-for-bankruptcy/articleshow/67798419.cms|access-date=28 February 2019|work=The Economic Times|date=2 February 2019}}</ref>
In February 2019, the company filed for bankruptcy as it was unable to sell assets to repay its debt.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Siddiqui |first1=Danish |title=RCom goes to bankruptcy court to resolve debt burden |url=https://in.reuters.com/article/rcom-debt/rcom-goes-to-bankruptcy-court-to-resolve-debt-burden-idINKCN1PQ4WT |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201185707/https://in.reuters.com/article/rcom-debt/rcom-goes-to-bankruptcy-court-to-resolve-debt-burden-idINKCN1PQ4WT |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 February 2019 |access-date=28 February 2019 |work=Reuters |date=1 February 2019}}</ref> It has an estimated debt of {{INRConvert|500|b|year=2019|lk=r}} against assets worth {{INRConvert|180|b|year=2019|lk=r}}.<ref>{{cite news |last1=ET Bureau |title=RCom to move NCLT to offload assets, repay debt |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/anil-ambani-cant-find-a-fix-for-rcom-files-for-bankruptcy/articleshow/67798419.cms |access-date=28 February 2019 |work=The Economic Times |date=2 February 2019 |archive-date=19 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919143059/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/anil-ambani-cant-find-a-fix-for-rcom-files-for-bankruptcy/articleshow/67798419.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>


As of March 2020, the company reworked its strategy and continues to operate [[4G]] data services, fixed-line communications, data center services, and [[enterprise solutions]] as well as [[Subsea (technology)|subsea cable networks]] under the banner name, "[[Global Cloud Xchange]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://globalcloudxchange.com|title=GCX|website=Global Cloud Xchange|language=en|access-date=2020-01-22}}</ref>
As of March 2020, the company reworked its strategy and continues to operate [[4G]] data services, fixed-line communications, data center services, and [[enterprise solutions]] as well as [[Subsea (technology)|subsea cable networks]] under the banner name, "[[Global Cloud Xchange]]".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://globalcloudxchange.com/ |title=GCX |website=Global Cloud Xchange |language=en |access-date=22 January 2020 |archive-date=2 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902124007/https://www.globalcloudxchange.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
In July 2025, the loan account of Reliance Communications was classified as Fraud by India's Largest Public Sector Bank - [[State Bank of India]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Team |first=Hellobanker |date=2025-07-02 |title=State Bank of India marks Reliance Communications loan as 'FRAUD'; Anil Ambani's name to be reported to RBI |url=https://hellobanker.in/state-bank-of-india-marks-reliance-communications-loan-as-fraud-anil-ambanis-name-to-be-reported-to-rbi/ |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=hellobanker.in |language=en-US |archive-date=11 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250711030318/https://hellobanker.in/state-bank-of-india-marks-reliance-communications-loan-as-fraud-anil-ambanis-name-to-be-reported-to-rbi/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Reliance Communications was founded in India on 15 July 2004 as Reliance Infocomm Limited<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.rediff.com/money/2002/dec/27ril1.htm | title=Reliance set to revolutionise mobile services | publisher=Rediff | date=27 December 2002 | access-date=29 November 2017}}</ref> with the introduction of its nationwide [[CDMA2000]] service. It became Reliance Communications Limited in 2006.<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=7372777]</ref> The company introduced its [[GSM]] service in 2008. It began using [[MIMO]] technology in 2011 to improve the quality of its 3G service, providing a data rate of up to 28 Mbit/s.<ref>[42 Mbps]</ref>
Reliance Communications was founded in India on 15 July 2004 as Reliance Infocomm Limited<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rediff.com/money/2002/dec/27ril1.htm |title=Reliance set to revolutionise mobile services |publisher=Rediff |date=27 December 2002 |access-date=29 November 2017 |archive-date=14 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214205700/http://www.rediff.com/money/2002/dec/27ril1.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> with the introduction of its nationwide [[CDMA2000]] service. It became Reliance Communications Limited in 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=7372777 |title=Stocks |website=[[Bloomberg News]]|date=16 August 2023 }}</ref> The company introduced its [[GSM]] service in 2008. It began using [[MIMO]] technology in 2011 to improve the quality of its 3G service, providing a data rate of up to 28&nbsp;Mbit/s.<ref>[42&nbsp;Mbps]</ref>


In the 2010 [[spectrum auction]], Reliance obtained licenses for 3G spectrum in three cities at a total licensing fee of {{INR}} 58,642.9 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/14/stories/2010121464882200.htm|title=RCom launches 3G services in 3 cities|date=14 December 2010|location=Chennai, India|access-date=8 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101217164602/http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/14/stories/2010121464882200.htm|archive-date=17 December 2010|work=[[The Hindu]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> The company reduced the price of its 3G service by 61 percent in May 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-25/telecom/31888985_1_rcom-s-3g-high-speed-internet-usage-rcom-s-group|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126081727/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-25/telecom/31888985_1_rcom-s-3g-high-speed-internet-usage-rcom-s-group|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 January 2013|title=RCom slashes 3G tariff by 61%|date=25 May 2012|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=25 May 2012}}</ref>
In the 2010 [[spectrum auction]], Reliance obtained licenses for 3G spectrum in three cities at a total licensing fee of {{INRConvert|58.64|b|year=2010}}.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/14/stories/2010121464882200.htm |title=RCom launches 3G services in 3 cities |date=14 December 2010 |location=Chennai, India |access-date=8 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101217164602/http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/14/stories/2010121464882200.htm |archive-date=17 December 2010 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead}}</ref> The company reduced the price of its 3G service by 61 percent in May 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-25/telecom/31888985_1_rcom-s-3g-high-speed-internet-usage-rcom-s-group |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126081727/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-25/telecom/31888985_1_rcom-s-3g-high-speed-internet-usage-rcom-s-group |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 January 2013 |title=RCom slashes 3G tariff by 61% |date=25 May 2012 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=25 May 2012}}</ref>


Reliance and [[Lenovo]] introduced their co-branded [[Android (operating system)|Android]] smartphones in India in 2013.<ref name="Lenovo">{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/rcom-partners-lenovo-to-launch-sub-rs-8000-smartphone/article23095401.ece|title=RCom partners Lenovo to launch sub-Rs 8,000 smartphone|date=31 January 2013|work=The Hindu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528175822/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/rcom-partners-lenovo-to-launch-sub-rs-8000-smartphone/article23095401.ece|archive-date=28 May 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Reliance and [[Lenovo]] introduced their co-branded [[Android (operating system)|Android]] smartphones in India in 2013.<ref name="Lenovo">{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/rcom-partners-lenovo-to-launch-sub-rs-8000-smartphone/article23095401.ece |title=RCom partners Lenovo to launch sub-Rs 8,000 smartphone |date=31 January 2013 |work=The Hindu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528175822/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/rcom-partners-lenovo-to-launch-sub-rs-8000-smartphone/article23095401.ece |archive-date=28 May 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


The company ended its CDMA operations in 2016, and migrated its subscribers to its GSM and [[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]] networks by September the same year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://telecomtalk.info/reliance-cdma-4g-upgrade/151437|title=RCom kicks off migration process; to upgrade CDMA subscribers to 4G LTE network|publisher=Telecom Talk|date=2016-04-02|language=en-US|access-date=2016-09-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://profit.ndtv.com/news/earnings/article-reliance-communications-posts-nearly-6-rise-in-q1-profit-1458755|title=Reliance Communications Posts Nearly 6% Rise in Q1 Profit|publisher=NDTV|access-date=2016-09-14}}</ref>
The company ended its CDMA operations in 2016, and migrated its subscribers to its GSM and [[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]] networks by September the same year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://telecomtalk.info/reliance-cdma-4g-upgrade/151437 |title=RCom kicks off migration process; to upgrade CDMA subscribers to 4G LTE network |publisher=Telecom Talk |date=2 April 2016 |language=en-US |access-date=14 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://profit.ndtv.com/news/earnings/article-reliance-communications-posts-nearly-6-rise-in-q1-profit-1458755 |title=Reliance Communications Posts Nearly 6% Rise in Q1 Profit |publisher=NDTV |access-date=14 September 2016 |archive-date=7 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107005740/http://profit.ndtv.com/news/earnings/article-reliance-communications-posts-nearly-6-rise-in-q1-profit-1458755 |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Acquisition of MTS India and Digicable ===
=== Acquisition of MTS India and Digicable ===
On 1 July 2010, The board of Reliance Communications confirmed about the acquisition of [[Digicable]] India's largest cable network in all-stock deal. The new entity named as Reliance Digicom. Which will integrate RCOM's [[DTH tv]], [[IPTV]] and Retail Broadband Operations with [[Digicable]]<ref>{{Cite news |title= RCOM acquires Digicable in all-stock deal |date= 1 July 2010 |url= http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-07-01/india-business/28295073_1_digicable-telecom-tower-business-broadband |archive-url= https://archive.today/20131008004201/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-07-01/india-business/28295073_1_digicable-telecom-tower-business-broadband |url-status= dead |archive-date= 8 October 2013 |work= [[The Times of India]] |access-date= 6 October 2013 }}</ref>
On 1 July 2010, the board of Reliance Communications confirmed the acquisition of [[Digicable]] India's largest cable network in all-stock deal. The new entity was named Reliance Digicom, which integrated RCOM's [[DTH TV]], [[IPTV]] and retail broadband operations with [[Digicable]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=RCOM acquires Digicable in all-stock deal |date=1 July 2010 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/RCOM-acquires-Digicable-in-all-stock-deal/articleshow/6115783.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131008004201/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-07-01/india-business/28295073_1_digicable-telecom-tower-business-broadband |url-status=live |archive-date=8 October 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=6 October 2013}}</ref>


On 14 January 2016, Reliance Communications announced that it had acquired Sistema Shyam TeleServices Limited (SSTL, operating as MTS India) in an all-stock deal. SSTL received a 10 per cent stake in Reliance Communications after repaying its existing debt. Reliance Communications would assume responsibility for instalments that MTS owed the government for spectrum purchases, amounting to {{INR}} 392 [[crore]] every year for 10 years. As a result of the deal, Reliance acquired MTS India's subscribers and SSTL's spectrum in the 850&nbsp;MHz band.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.businesstoday.in/sectors/telecom/reliance-communications-acquires-sistemas-india-unit-in-all-stock-deal/story/225554.html|title=Reliance Communications acquires Sistema's MTS India in all-stock deal|publisher=Business Today|access-date=2016-09-06}}</ref>
On 14 January 2016, Reliance Communications announced that it had acquired Sistema Shyam TeleServices Limited (SSTL, operating as MTS India) in an all-stock deal. SSTL received a 10 per cent stake in Reliance Communications after repaying its existing debt. Reliance Communications would assume responsibility for instalments that MTS owed the government for spectrum purchases, amounting to {{INRConvert|3.92|b|year=2016}} every year for 10 years. As a result of the deal, Reliance acquired MTS India's subscribers and SSTL's spectrum in the 850&nbsp;MHz band.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.businesstoday.in/sectors/telecom/reliance-communications-acquires-sistemas-india-unit-in-all-stock-deal/story/225554.html |title=Reliance Communications acquires Sistema's MTS India in all-stock deal |publisher=Business Today |access-date=6 September 2016 |archive-date=11 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911235500/http://www.businesstoday.in/sectors/telecom/reliance-communications-acquires-sistemas-india-unit-in-all-stock-deal/story/225554.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


India's antitrust regulator, the [[Competition Commission of India]] (CCI) approved the merger in February 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://gadgets.ndtv.com/telecom/news/reliance-communications-gets-cci-approval-to-acquire-mts-805292|title=Reliance Communications gets CCI approval to acquire MTS|publisher=NDTV|access-date=2016-09-06}}</ref> The [[Securities and Exchange Board of India]] (SEBI) also cleared the deal. SSTL shareholders approved the merger on 18 March 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2016-03-18/news/71630719_1_shyam-group-sistema-shyam-teleservices-sstl-spokesperson|title=Sistema Shyam shareholders approve merger with Reliance Communications|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2016-09-06}}</ref> By mid-August, it was approved by tax authorities and the shareholders and creditors of Reliance and SSTL.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/dots-approval-for-sstl-rcom-merger-likely-in-q4-sistema/articleshow/53940858.cms|title=DoT's approval for SSTL-RCOM merger likely in Q4: Sistema|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2016-09-06}}</ref> The merger was approved by the [[Rajasthan High Court]] on 30 September 2016<ref>{{cite news|agency=Press Trust of India|title=RCom gets Rajasthan HC approval for Sistema acquisition|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/rcom-gets-rajasthan-hc-approval-for-sistema-acquisition-116093001087_1.html|work=Business Standard|access-date=1 October 2016|date=30 September 2016}}</ref> and the Bombay High Court on 7 October 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/reliance-communication-gets-bombay-hc-approval-for-sistema-acquisition/articleshow/54739451.cms|title=Reliance Communication gets Bombay HC approval for Sistema acquisition|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2016-10-08}}</ref> In April 2017, Reliance laid off 600 employees in preparation for its mergers with MTS and Aircel.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pink slips for 600 as Reliance Communications trims fat|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/pink-slips-for-600-as-reliance-communications-trims-fat/articleshow/58070911.cms|work=The Economic Times|access-date=5 May 2017}}</ref>
India's antitrust regulator, the [[Competition Commission of India]] (CCI) approved the merger in February 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://gadgets.ndtv.com/telecom/news/reliance-communications-gets-cci-approval-to-acquire-mts-805292 |title=Reliance Communications gets CCI approval to acquire MTS |publisher=NDTV |access-date=6 September 2016}}</ref> The [[Securities and Exchange Board of India]] (SEBI) also cleared the deal. SSTL shareholders approved the merger on 18 March 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2016-03-18/news/71630719_1_shyam-group-sistema-shyam-teleservices-sstl-spokesperson |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411000009/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2016-03-18/news/71630719_1_shyam-group-sistema-shyam-teleservices-sstl-spokesperson |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 April 2016 |title=Sistema Shyam shareholders approve merger with Reliance Communications |work=The Economic Times |access-date=6 September 2016}}</ref> By mid-August, it was approved by tax authorities and the shareholders and creditors of Reliance and SSTL.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/dots-approval-for-sstl-rcom-merger-likely-in-q4-sistema/articleshow/53940858.cms |title=DoT's approval for SSTL-RCOM merger likely in Q4: Sistema |work=The Economic Times |access-date=6 September 2016 |archive-date=6 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906071926/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/dots-approval-for-sstl-rcom-merger-likely-in-q4-sistema/articleshow/53940858.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> The merger was approved by the [[Rajasthan High Court]] on 30 September 2016<ref>{{cite news |agency=Press Trust of India |title=RCom gets Rajasthan HC approval for Sistema acquisition |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/rcom-gets-rajasthan-hc-approval-for-sistema-acquisition-116093001087_1.html |work=Business Standard |access-date=1 October 2016 |date=30 September 2016 |archive-date=1 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001154834/http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/rcom-gets-rajasthan-hc-approval-for-sistema-acquisition-116093001087_1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Bombay High Court on 7 October 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/reliance-communication-gets-bombay-hc-approval-for-sistema-acquisition/articleshow/54739451.cms |title=Reliance Communication gets Bombay HC approval for Sistema acquisition |work=The Economic Times |access-date=8 October 2016 |archive-date=31 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231004257/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/reliance-communication-gets-bombay-hc-approval-for-sistema-acquisition/articleshow/54739451.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2017, Reliance laid off 600 employees in preparation for its mergers with MTS and Aircel.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pink slips for 600 as Reliance Communications trims fat |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/pink-slips-for-600-as-reliance-communications-trims-fat/articleshow/58070911.cms |work=The Economic Times |access-date=5 May 2017}}</ref>
The [[Department of Telecommunications]] gave the final approval for the merger on 20 October 2017.<ref>{{cite news|title=Telecom department approves RCom-MTS merger|url=https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/telecom-department-approves-rcom-mts-merger/61182496|work= The Economic Times|access-date=18 November 2017|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/rcom-sistema-shyam-merger-gets-dot-approval/articleshow/61187148.cms|title=RCom-Sistema Shyam merger gets DoT approval|date=2017-10-23|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2017-10-24}}</ref> On 31 October 2017, Reliance Communications announced that the merger was complete.<ref>{{cite news|title=Reliance Communications Completes Merger With MTS|url=http://profit.ndtv.com/news/corporates/article-reliance-communications-completes-merger-with-mts-1769486|publisher=NDTV|access-date=18 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Reliance Communications completes merger with MTS|url=http://zeenews.india.com/companies/reliance-communications-completes-merger-with-mts-2053315.html|publisher=Zee News|access-date=18 November 2017|language=en|date=31 October 2017}}</ref>
The [[Department of Telecommunications]] gave the final approval for the merger on 20 October 2017.<ref>{{cite news |title=Telecom department approves RCom-MTS merger |url=https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/telecom-department-approves-rcom-mts-merger/61182496 |work=The Economic Times |access-date=18 November 2017 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/rcom-sistema-shyam-merger-gets-dot-approval/articleshow/61187148.cms |title=RCom-Sistema Shyam merger gets DoT approval |date=23 October 2017 |work=The Economic Times |access-date=24 October 2017 |archive-date=24 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024040400/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/rcom-sistema-shyam-merger-gets-dot-approval/articleshow/61187148.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> On 31 October 2017, Reliance Communications announced that the merger was complete.<ref>{{cite news |title=Reliance Communications Completes Merger With MTS |url=http://profit.ndtv.com/news/corporates/article-reliance-communications-completes-merger-with-mts-1769486 |publisher=NDTV |access-date=18 November 2017 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040646/http://profit.ndtv.com/news/corporates/article-reliance-communications-completes-merger-with-mts-1769486 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Reliance Communications completes merger with MTS |url=http://zeenews.india.com/companies/reliance-communications-completes-merger-with-mts-2053315.html |publisher=Zee News |access-date=18 November 2017 |language=en |date=31 October 2017 |archive-date=8 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108131849/http://zeenews.india.com/companies/reliance-communications-completes-merger-with-mts-2053315.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== {{anchor|Attempted merger of wireless business with Aircel}}Attempted merger with Aircel ===
=== {{anchor|Attempted merger of wireless business with Aircel}}Attempted merger with Aircel ===
In September 2016, Reliance Communications announced Aircel had agreed to a merger.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/RCom-Aircel-announce-merger-create-fourth-largest-telco-in-India/articleshow/54331909.cms |title=RCom, Aircel announce merger; create fourth largest telco in India |work=The Times of India |date= 14 September 2016 |access-date= 6 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/reliance-communications-aircel-announce-merger-in-largestever-consolidation-deal-in-indian-telecom-sector/article9107868.ece|title=RCom-Aircel merger a strong challenger to Idea Cellular|last=Pandey|first=Piyush|date=2016-09-14|work=The Hindu|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|access-date=2016-09-14}}</ref>
In September 2016, Reliance Communications announced Aircel had agreed to a merger.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/RCom-Aircel-announce-merger-create-fourth-largest-telco-in-India/articleshow/54331909.cms |title=RCom, Aircel announce merger; create fourth largest telco in India |work=The Times of India |date=14 September 2016 |access-date=6 October 2021 |archive-date=14 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914233138/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/RCom-Aircel-announce-merger-create-fourth-largest-telco-in-India/articleshow/54331909.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/reliance-communications-aircel-announce-merger-in-largestever-consolidation-deal-in-indian-telecom-sector/article9107868.ece |title=RCom-Aircel merger a strong challenger to Idea Cellular |last=Pandey |first=Piyush |date=14 September 2016 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |access-date=14 September 2016 |archive-date=14 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914153517/http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/reliance-communications-aircel-announce-merger-in-largestever-consolidation-deal-in-indian-telecom-sector/article9107868.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>


The company announced on 15 March 2017 the [[Securities and Exchange Board of India]], [[Bombay Stock Exchange]], and [[National Stock Exchange of India]] approved the merger.<ref>{{cite news|title=Reliance Communications Gets SEBI, Exchanges Nod For Aircel Merger|url=http://profit.ndtv.com/news/corporates/article-sebi-bse-nse-approve-rcom-aircel-deal-1669707|publisher=NDTV|access-date=20 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|agency=Press Trust of India|title=Reliance Communications gets Sebi nod for merger with Aircel|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/reliance-comunications-gets-sebi-nod-for-merger-with-aircel-117031500312_1.html|publisher=Business Standard India|access-date=20 March 2017|date=15 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=RCom-Aircel merger gets SEBI nod|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/rcomaircel-merger-gets-sebi-nod/article9584844.ece|publisher=The Hindu Business Line|access-date=20 March 2017|language=en|date=15 March 2017}}</ref> The deal was approved by the CCI on 20 March.<ref>{{cite web|title=RCOM gets CCI approval for Aircel merger|url =http://www.india.com/news/agencies/rcom-gets-cci-approval-for-aircel-merger-1942342|agency=IANS|publisher=India.com| access-date=20 March 2017|language=en|date=20 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Lead|first1=Telecom|title=RCOM-Aircel merger deal gets CCI approval|url=http://www.telecomlead.com/telecom-services/rcom-aircel-merger-deal-gets-cci-approval-75445|website=Telecom Lead|access-date=20 March 2017|date=20 March 2017}}</ref> Aircel and Reliance shareholders approved the merger on 22 and 24 April 2017, respectively,<ref>{{cite web|title=Anil Ambani-driven RCom, Aircel shareholders approve merger – ET Telecom|url=http://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/rcom-aircel-shareholders-approve-merger/58340487|website =ETTelecom.com |access-date =5 May 2017|language=en}}</ref> and it was expected to be completed by mid-2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=RCom says Aircel merger to be completed by 2017 middle, MTS merger by March|url=https://telecomtalk.info/rcom-says-aircel-merger-to-be-completed-by-2017-middle-mts-merger-by-march/160647/|website=Telecom Talk|access-date=15 February 2017}}</ref>
The company announced on 15 March 2017 the [[Securities and Exchange Board of India]], [[Bombay Stock Exchange]], and [[National Stock Exchange of India]] approved the merger.<ref>{{cite news |title=Reliance Communications Gets SEBI, Exchanges Nod For Aircel Merger |url=http://profit.ndtv.com/news/corporates/article-sebi-bse-nse-approve-rcom-aircel-deal-1669707 |publisher=NDTV |access-date=20 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Reliance Communications gets Sebi nod for merger with Aircel |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/reliance-comunications-gets-sebi-nod-for-merger-with-aircel-117031500312_1.html |newspaper=Business Standard India |access-date=20 March 2017 |date=15 March 2017 |agency=Press Trust of India |archive-date=17 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317221009/http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/reliance-comunications-gets-sebi-nod-for-merger-with-aircel-117031500312_1.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=RCom-Aircel merger gets SEBI nod |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/rcomaircel-merger-gets-sebi-nod/article9584844.ece |work=Business Line |access-date=20 March 2017 |language=en |date=15 March 2017 |archive-date=15 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315073453/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/rcomaircel-merger-gets-sebi-nod/article9584844.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> The deal was approved by the CCI on 20 March.<ref>{{cite web |title=RCOM gets CCI approval for Aircel merger |url=http://www.india.com/news/agencies/rcom-gets-cci-approval-for-aircel-merger-1942342 |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |publisher=India.com |access-date=20 March 2017 |language=en |date=20 March 2017 |archive-date=30 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730082457/http://www.india.com/news/agencies/rcom-gets-cci-approval-for-aircel-merger-1942342/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Lead |first1=Telecom |title=RCOM-Aircel merger deal gets CCI approval |url=http://www.telecomlead.com/telecom-services/rcom-aircel-merger-deal-gets-cci-approval-75445 |website=Telecom Lead |access-date=20 March 2017 |date=20 March 2017 |archive-date=20 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320100912/http://www.telecomlead.com/telecom-services/rcom-aircel-merger-deal-gets-cci-approval-75445 |url-status=live }}</ref> Aircel and Reliance shareholders approved the merger on 22 and 24 April 2017, respectively,<ref>{{cite web |title=Anil Ambani-driven RCom, Aircel shareholders approve merger – ET Telecom |url=http://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/rcom-aircel-shareholders-approve-merger/58340487 |website=ETTelecom.com |access-date=5 May 2017 |language=en |archive-date=26 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426112738/http://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/rcom-aircel-shareholders-approve-merger/58340487 |url-status=live }}</ref> and it was expected to be completed by mid-2017.<ref>{{cite web |title=RCom says Aircel merger to be completed by 2017 middle, MTS merger by March |url=https://telecomtalk.info/rcom-says-aircel-merger-to-be-completed-by-2017-middle-mts-merger-by-march/160647/ |website=Telecom Talk |access-date=15 February 2017 |archive-date=15 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215200054/https://telecomtalk.info/rcom-says-aircel-merger-to-be-completed-by-2017-middle-mts-merger-by-march/160647/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


However, on 1 October, Reliance allowed the merger agreement to lapse.<ref>{{cite news|title=RCom abandons mobile business merger with rival Aircel|url=https://www.ft.com/content/1254e56e-a6c4-11e7-ab55-27219df83c97|work=Financial Times|access-date=18 November 2017}}</ref> The deal, which was expected to help the company repay {{INR}} 25,000 crore of debt, was cancelled due to delays by entrenched competition.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/rcom-calls-off-aircel-merger-blames-legal-uncertainties-policy-directives-for-delay/articleshow/60901981.cms|title=RCom calls off Aircel merger; blames legal uncertainties, policy directives for delay|last=Sengupta|first=Devina|date=2017-10-02|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2017-10-02}}</ref> Reliance was looking at other options to meet their obligations under the SDR agreement and avoid insolvency proceedings by banks.<ref>{{Cite news|url= http://www.livemint.com/Companies/KFJtF12XeiAnLmVd0YPhyO/RCom-readies-for-fire-sale-of-its-assets-to-pare-debt-as-Ai.html|title=RCom readies for fire sale of its assets to pare debt, as Aircel merger fails|last=Raj|first=Amrit|date=2017-10-03|work=Livemint|access-date=2017-10-02}}</ref> Due to the failed Aircel merger, the company announced to employees in the wireless and [[DTH tv|DTH]] businesses on 25 October 2017 that they would be redundant effective 30 November. On 29 December 2017, Reliance discontinued voice services in India and provided only 4G data service.
However, on 1 October, Reliance allowed the merger agreement to lapse.<ref>{{cite news |title=RCom abandons mobile business merger with rival Aircel |url=https://www.ft.com/content/1254e56e-a6c4-11e7-ab55-27219df83c97 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/1254e56e-a6c4-11e7-ab55-27219df83c97 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=Financial Times |access-date=18 November 2017}}</ref> The deal, which was expected to help the company repay {{INRConvert|250|b|year=2017}} of debt, was cancelled due to delays by entrenched competition.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/rcom-calls-off-aircel-merger-blames-legal-uncertainties-policy-directives-for-delay/articleshow/60901981.cms |title=RCom calls off Aircel merger; blames legal uncertainties, policy directives for delay |last=Sengupta |first=Devina |date=2 October 2017 |work=The Economic Times |access-date=2 October 2017 |archive-date=3 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003082745/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/rcom-calls-off-aircel-merger-blames-legal-uncertainties-policy-directives-for-delay/articleshow/60901981.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Reliance was looking at other options to meet their obligations under the SDR agreement and avoid insolvency proceedings by banks.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.livemint.com/Companies/KFJtF12XeiAnLmVd0YPhyO/RCom-readies-for-fire-sale-of-its-assets-to-pare-debt-as-Ai.html |title=RCom readies for fire sale of its assets to pare debt, as Aircel merger fails |last=Raj |first=Amrit |date=3 October 2017 |work=Livemint |access-date=2 October 2017 |archive-date=3 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003124608/http://www.livemint.com/Companies/KFJtF12XeiAnLmVd0YPhyO/RCom-readies-for-fire-sale-of-its-assets-to-pare-debt-as-Ai.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to the failed Aircel merger, the company announced to employees in the wireless and [[DTH tv|DTH]] businesses on 25 October 2017 that they would be redundant effective 30 November. On 29 December 2017, Reliance discontinued voice services in India and provided only 4G data service.


=== The Ericsson case ===
=== The Ericsson case ===
In 2013, RCom signed a multi-year managed services agreement (MSA) with [[Ericsson]] to manage services of wireline and wireless network of 100,000&nbsp;km of fiber and mobile infrastructure in 11 telecom circles in India. This arrangement was a smooth business relationship until 2016, post which RCom struggled to pay the dues. This has been seen as an impact of [[Jio|Reliance Jio]] that disrupted the Indian telecom industry with its aggressive pricing after its commercial launch in September 2016 that affected all leading telecom players.
In 2013, RCom signed a multi-year managed services agreement (MSA) with [[Ericsson]] to manage services of wireline and wireless network of {{convert|100000|km}} of fiber and mobile infrastructure in 11 telecom circles in India. This arrangement was a smooth business relationship until 2016, post which RCom struggled to pay the dues. This has been seen as an effect of [[Jio|Reliance Jio]] that disrupted the Indian telecom industry with its aggressive pricing after its commercial launch in September 2016 that affected all leading telecom players.


By September 2017, Ericsson terminated the MSA and approached the [[National Company Law Tribunal|NCLT]] to recover dues of Rs 1100 crores.<ref>[https://www.theweek.in/theweek/business/2019/03/15/trouble-call.html]</ref> By May 2018, the NCLT initiated insolvency proceedings even as RCom tried to sell spectrum and other assets. At the same time, RComm reached out to Ericsson and agreed to pay Rs 550 crore as a settlement with a personal guarantee from Anil Ambani on the condition of withdrawal of insolvency proceedings. The Supreme Court reviewed the matter in August 2018 and ordered RComm to pay up Rs 550 crore to Ericsson by 30 September. RCom failed to comply with the payment and sought an extension of 60 days to comply. Ericsson filed a contempt petition in [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme court]].
By September 2017, Ericsson terminated the MSA and approached the [[National Company Law Tribunal|NCLT]] to recover dues of {{INRConvert|11|b|year=2017}}.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/business/2019/03/15/trouble-call.html |title=Trouble call |website=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]] |access-date=20 May 2019 |archive-date=28 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328145120/https://www.theweek.in/theweek/business/2019/03/15/trouble-call.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By May 2018, the NCLT initiated insolvency proceedings even as RCom tried to sell spectrum and other assets. At the same time, RComm reached out to Ericsson and agreed to pay {{INRConvert|5.5|b|year=2018}} as a settlement with a personal guarantee from Anil Ambani on the condition of withdrawal of insolvency proceedings. The Supreme Court reviewed the matter in August 2018 and ordered RComm to pay up {{INRConvert|5.5|b|year=2018}} to Ericsson by 30 September. RCom failed to comply with the payment and sought an extension of 60 days to comply. Ericsson filed a contempt petition in [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme court]].


In February 2019, the Supreme court has held [[Anil Ambani]] and three others guilty of contempt of court and directed them to make payments by 19 March. In the meantime, [[Mukesh Ambani]], the elder brother of Anil helped him with a bailout of 463 crores which he paid just a day before the deadline on 18 March.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/a-timeline-of-reliance-communications-versus-ericsson-case-3661261.html|title=A timeline of Reliance Communications versus Ericsson case|website=Moneycontrol|access-date=2019-03-19}}</ref>
In February 2019, the Supreme Court has held [[Anil Ambani]] and three others guilty of contempt of court and directed them to make payments by 19 March. In the meantime, [[Mukesh Ambani]], the elder brother of Anil helped him with a bailout of {{INRConvert|4.63|b|year=2019}} which he paid just a day before the deadline on 18 March.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/a-timeline-of-reliance-communications-versus-ericsson-case-3661261.html |title=A timeline of Reliance Communications versus Ericsson case |website=Moneycontrol |date=18 March 2019 |access-date=19 March 2019 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327101433/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/a-timeline-of-reliance-communications-versus-ericsson-case-3661261.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Reliance Communications Limited has paid Rs 550 crore to Swedish multinational telecom and networking firm Ericsson a day before the Supreme Court’s deadline, the Anil Ambani-led company said in a statement.
Reliance Communications Limited has paid {{INRConvert|5.5|b|year=2019}} to Swedish multinational telecom and networking firm Ericsson a day before the Supreme Court’s deadline, the Anil Ambani-led company said in a statement.


=== Sale of the company's assets ===
=== Sale of the company's assets ===


During 2020, a consortium of companies is bidding upwards of $200 Million USD to buy the assets of Reliance Communications.<ref>{{Cite web|title=RCom lenders to meet Jan 2 to consider asset bids – ET Telecom|url=https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/rcom-lenders-to-meet-jan-2-to-consider-asset-bids/73059345|last=www.ETTelecom.com|website=ETTelecom.com|language=en|access-date=2020-05-12}}</ref> Members of the consortium include NKV Krishna's [[White Lotus Conglomerate|White Lotus Group]], Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Group, Bharti Airtel, UV Asset Reconstruction (UVARCL) and US-based Varde Partners.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Airtel, Reliance, 3 others may submit bids for RCom assets on Monday|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/airtel-reliance-3-others-may-submit-bids-for-rcom-assets-on-monday/1773831/|date=2019-11-24|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-12}}</ref>
During 2020, a consortium of companies bidded upwards of $200 Million USD to buy the assets of Reliance Communications.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RCom lenders to meet Jan 2 to consider asset bids – ET Telecom |url=https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/rcom-lenders-to-meet-jan-2-to-consider-asset-bids/73059345 |last=www.ETTelecom.com |website=ETTelecom.com |language=en |access-date=12 May 2020 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806182847/https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/rcom-lenders-to-meet-jan-2-to-consider-asset-bids/73059345 |url-status=live }}</ref> Members of the consortium include NKV Krishna's White Lotus Group, Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries, Bharti Airtel, UV Asset Reconstruction (UVARCL) and US-based Varde Partners.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Airtel, Reliance, 3 others may submit bids for RCom assets on Monday |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/airtel-reliance-3-others-may-submit-bids-for-rcom-assets-on-monday/1773831/ |date=24 November 2019 |website=The Financial Express |language=en-US |access-date=12 May 2020 |archive-date=18 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818021346/https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/airtel-reliance-3-others-may-submit-bids-for-rcom-assets-on-monday/1773831/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2022, Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio won the bid and acquired the assets of Reliance Communications for Rs. 3720 crores.


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 05:08, 6 January 2026


Not to be confused with Jio.

Reliance Communications Limited
Traded as
ISINTemplate:ISIN
IndustryTelecommunications
FateBankruptcy (Mobile Network Division)
Founded15 July 2004; 22 years ago (2004-07-15)
Founder(s)Anil Ambani
DefunctMay 2018; 8 years ago (2018-05)
HeadquartersDAKC,
Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
,
India
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Bill Barney (co-CEO)|Srinivasan Gopalan (CFO)|Prakash Shenoy (Company Secretary)
Products
Services
  • Internet services
  • Network services
  • Cloud networking
  • Data center services
  • Enterprise voice
  • Cloud Telephony
  • Collaboration services
  • Wholesale voice
  • Value added services (VAS)
RevenueIncrease ₹40.15 billion[1] (2019)
Decrease ₹8.67 billion (2019)
Members0[2]
(June 2021)
Number of employees
3,038 including
1,819 permanent employees (2018)
Divisions
Subsidiaries
Website{{URL|example.com|optional display text}}

Reliance Communications Limited (RCOM) was an Indian mobile network provider headquartered in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra that offered voice and 2G and 3G and 4G data services. In February 2019, the company filed for bankruptcy as it was unable to sell assets to repay its debt.[3] It has an estimated debt of ₹500 billion (US$7.0 billion) against assets worth ₹180 billion (US$2.5 billion).[4]

As of March 2020, the company reworked its strategy and continues to operate 4G data services, fixed-line communications, data center services, and enterprise solutions as well as subsea cable networks under the banner name, "Global Cloud Xchange".[5]

In July 2025, the loan account of Reliance Communications was classified as Fraud by India's Largest Public Sector Bank - State Bank of India.[6]

History[edit | edit source]

Reliance Communications was founded in India on 15 July 2004 as Reliance Infocomm Limited[7] with the introduction of its nationwide CDMA2000 service. It became Reliance Communications Limited in 2006.[8] The company introduced its GSM service in 2008. It began using MIMO technology in 2011 to improve the quality of its 3G service, providing a data rate of up to 28 Mbit/s.[9]

In the 2010 spectrum auction, Reliance obtained licenses for 3G spectrum in three cities at a total licensing fee of ₹58.64 billion (equivalent to ₹110 billion or US$1.5 billion in 2019).[10] The company reduced the price of its 3G service by 61 percent in May 2012.[11]

Reliance and Lenovo introduced their co-branded Android smartphones in India in 2013.[12]

The company ended its CDMA operations in 2016, and migrated its subscribers to its GSM and LTE networks by September the same year.[13][14]

Acquisition of MTS India and Digicable[edit | edit source]

On 1 July 2010, the board of Reliance Communications confirmed the acquisition of Digicable India's largest cable network in all-stock deal. The new entity was named Reliance Digicom, which integrated RCOM's DTH TV, IPTV and retail broadband operations with Digicable.[15]

On 14 January 2016, Reliance Communications announced that it had acquired Sistema Shyam TeleServices Limited (SSTL, operating as MTS India) in an all-stock deal. SSTL received a 10 per cent stake in Reliance Communications after repaying its existing debt. Reliance Communications would assume responsibility for instalments that MTS owed the government for spectrum purchases, amounting to ₹3.92 billion (equivalent to ₹4.5 billion or US$64 million in 2019) every year for 10 years. As a result of the deal, Reliance acquired MTS India's subscribers and SSTL's spectrum in the 850 MHz band.[16]

India's antitrust regulator, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the merger in February 2016.[17] The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) also cleared the deal. SSTL shareholders approved the merger on 18 March 2016.[18] By mid-August, it was approved by tax authorities and the shareholders and creditors of Reliance and SSTL.[19] The merger was approved by the Rajasthan High Court on 30 September 2016[20] and the Bombay High Court on 7 October 2016.[21] In April 2017, Reliance laid off 600 employees in preparation for its mergers with MTS and Aircel.[22] The Department of Telecommunications gave the final approval for the merger on 20 October 2017.[23][24] On 31 October 2017, Reliance Communications announced that the merger was complete.[25][26]

Attempted merger with Aircel[edit | edit source]

In September 2016, Reliance Communications announced Aircel had agreed to a merger.[27][28]

The company announced on 15 March 2017 the Securities and Exchange Board of India, Bombay Stock Exchange, and National Stock Exchange of India approved the merger.[29][30][31] The deal was approved by the CCI on 20 March.[32][33] Aircel and Reliance shareholders approved the merger on 22 and 24 April 2017, respectively,[34] and it was expected to be completed by mid-2017.[35]

However, on 1 October, Reliance allowed the merger agreement to lapse.[36] The deal, which was expected to help the company repay ₹250 billion (equivalent to ₹280 billion or US$4.0 billion in 2019) of debt, was cancelled due to delays by entrenched competition.[37] Reliance was looking at other options to meet their obligations under the SDR agreement and avoid insolvency proceedings by banks.[38] Due to the failed Aircel merger, the company announced to employees in the wireless and DTH businesses on 25 October 2017 that they would be redundant effective 30 November. On 29 December 2017, Reliance discontinued voice services in India and provided only 4G data service.

The Ericsson case[edit | edit source]

In 2013, RCom signed a multi-year managed services agreement (MSA) with Ericsson to manage services of wireline and wireless network of 100,000 kilometres (62,000 mi) of fiber and mobile infrastructure in 11 telecom circles in India. This arrangement was a smooth business relationship until 2016, post which RCom struggled to pay the dues. This has been seen as an effect of Reliance Jio that disrupted the Indian telecom industry with its aggressive pricing after its commercial launch in September 2016 that affected all leading telecom players.

By September 2017, Ericsson terminated the MSA and approached the NCLT to recover dues of ₹11 billion (equivalent to ₹12 billion or US$170 million in 2019).[39] By May 2018, the NCLT initiated insolvency proceedings even as RCom tried to sell spectrum and other assets. At the same time, RComm reached out to Ericsson and agreed to pay ₹5.5 billion (equivalent to ₹5.9 billion or US$83 million in 2019) as a settlement with a personal guarantee from Anil Ambani on the condition of withdrawal of insolvency proceedings. The Supreme Court reviewed the matter in August 2018 and ordered RComm to pay up ₹5.5 billion (equivalent to ₹5.9 billion or US$83 million in 2019) to Ericsson by 30 September. RCom failed to comply with the payment and sought an extension of 60 days to comply. Ericsson filed a contempt petition in Supreme court.

In February 2019, the Supreme Court has held Anil Ambani and three others guilty of contempt of court and directed them to make payments by 19 March. In the meantime, Mukesh Ambani, the elder brother of Anil helped him with a bailout of ₹4.63 billion (US$65 million) which he paid just a day before the deadline on 18 March.[40] Reliance Communications Limited has paid ₹5.5 billion (US$77 million) to Swedish multinational telecom and networking firm Ericsson a day before the Supreme Court’s deadline, the Anil Ambani-led company said in a statement.

Sale of the company's assets[edit | edit source]

During 2020, a consortium of companies bidded upwards of $200 Million USD to buy the assets of Reliance Communications.[41] Members of the consortium include NKV Krishna's White Lotus Group, Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries, Bharti Airtel, UV Asset Reconstruction (UVARCL) and US-based Varde Partners.[42] In 2022, Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio won the bid and acquired the assets of Reliance Communications for Rs. 3720 crores.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Investor Relations – Financial Results". Reliance Communications. Archived from the original on 27 September 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  2. ↑ "Press Release on Telecom Subscription Data as on 31st October, 2020" (PDF). trai.gov.in. 20 February 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 August 2021. Retrieved 5 September 2021.
  3. ↑ Siddiqui, Danish (1 February 2019). "RCom goes to bankruptcy court to resolve debt burden". Reuters. Archived from the original on 1 February 2019. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  4. ↑ ET Bureau (2 February 2019). "RCom to move NCLT to offload assets, repay debt". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 19 September 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  5. ↑ "GCX". Global Cloud Xchange. Archived from the original on 2 September 2023. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
  6. ↑ Team, Hellobanker (2 July 2025). "State Bank of India marks Reliance Communications loan as 'FRAUD'; Anil Ambani's name to be reported to RBI". hellobanker.in. Archived from the original on 11 July 2025. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  7. ↑ "Reliance set to revolutionise mobile services". Rediff. 27 December 2002. Archived from the original on 14 December 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
  8. ↑ "Stocks". Bloomberg News. 16 August 2023.
  9. ↑ [42 Mbps]
  10. ↑ "RCom launches 3G services in 3 cities". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 14 December 2010. Archived from the original on 17 December 2010. Retrieved 8 March 2011.
  11. ↑ "RCom slashes 3G tariff by 61%". The Times of India. 25 May 2012. Retrieved 25 May 2012.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  12. ↑ "RCom partners Lenovo to launch sub-Rs 8,000 smartphone". The Hindu. 31 January 2013. Archived from the original on 28 May 2018.
  13. ↑ "RCom kicks off migration process; to upgrade CDMA subscribers to 4G LTE network". Telecom Talk. 2 April 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  14. ↑ "Reliance Communications Posts Nearly 6% Rise in Q1 Profit". NDTV. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  15. ↑ "RCOM acquires Digicable in all-stock deal". The Times of India. 1 July 2010. Retrieved 6 October 2013.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  16. ↑ "Reliance Communications acquires Sistema's MTS India in all-stock deal". Business Today. Archived from the original on 11 September 2016. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  17. ↑ "Reliance Communications gets CCI approval to acquire MTS". NDTV. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  18. ↑ "Sistema Shyam shareholders approve merger with Reliance Communications". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 11 April 2016. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  19. ↑ "DoT's approval for SSTL-RCOM merger likely in Q4: Sistema". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 6 September 2016. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  20. ↑ "RCom gets Rajasthan HC approval for Sistema acquisition". Business Standard. Press Trust of India. 30 September 2016. Archived from the original on 1 October 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2016.
  21. ↑ "Reliance Communication gets Bombay HC approval for Sistema acquisition". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 31 December 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  22. ↑ "Pink slips for 600 as Reliance Communications trims fat". The Economic Times. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
  23. ↑ "Telecom department approves RCom-MTS merger". The Economic Times. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  24. ↑ "RCom-Sistema Shyam merger gets DoT approval". The Economic Times. 23 October 2017. Archived from the original on 24 October 2017. Retrieved 24 October 2017.
  25. ↑ "Reliance Communications Completes Merger With MTS". NDTV. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  26. ↑ "Reliance Communications completes merger with MTS". Zee News. 31 October 2017. Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  27. ↑ "RCom, Aircel announce merger; create fourth largest telco in India". The Times of India. 14 September 2016. Archived from the original on 14 September 2016. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
  28. ↑ Pandey, Piyush (14 September 2016). "RCom-Aircel merger a strong challenger to Idea Cellular". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 14 September 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  29. ↑ "Reliance Communications Gets SEBI, Exchanges Nod For Aircel Merger". NDTV. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  30. ↑ "Reliance Communications gets Sebi nod for merger with Aircel". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 15 March 2017. Archived from the original on 17 March 2017. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  31. ↑ "RCom-Aircel merger gets SEBI nod". Business Line. 15 March 2017. Archived from the original on 15 March 2017. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  32. ↑ "RCOM gets CCI approval for Aircel merger". India.com. Indo-Asian News Service. 20 March 2017. Archived from the original on 30 July 2017. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  33. ↑ Lead, Telecom (20 March 2017). "RCOM-Aircel merger deal gets CCI approval". Telecom Lead. Archived from the original on 20 March 2017. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  34. ↑ "Anil Ambani-driven RCom, Aircel shareholders approve merger – ET Telecom". ETTelecom.com. Archived from the original on 26 April 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
  35. ↑ "RCom says Aircel merger to be completed by 2017 middle, MTS merger by March". Telecom Talk. Archived from the original on 15 February 2017. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
  36. ↑ "RCom abandons mobile business merger with rival Aircel". Financial Times. Archived from the original on 10 December 2022. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  37. ↑ Sengupta, Devina (2 October 2017). "RCom calls off Aircel merger; blames legal uncertainties, policy directives for delay". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 3 October 2017. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
  38. ↑ Raj, Amrit (3 October 2017). "RCom readies for fire sale of its assets to pare debt, as Aircel merger fails". Livemint. Archived from the original on 3 October 2017. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
  39. ↑ "Trouble call". The Week. Archived from the original on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  40. ↑ "A timeline of Reliance Communications versus Ericsson case". Moneycontrol. 18 March 2019. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 19 March 2019.
  41. ↑ www.ETTelecom.com. "RCom lenders to meet Jan 2 to consider asset bids – ET Telecom". ETTelecom.com. Archived from the original on 6 August 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
  42. ↑ "Airtel, Reliance, 3 others may submit bids for RCom assets on Monday". The Financial Express. 24 November 2019. Archived from the original on 18 August 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2020.

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