Approaching profitability across operations is our strength: Yogesh Malik, Uninor

Yogesh Malik, who took over as CEO of Uninor in May 2013, is extremely bullish about the Indian telecom market. Excerpts from an interview:

Operators have no option but to invest. What are your views?

You are right. This is a time when operators with a long-term intent will have to look at the next phase of investments — not only towards data but also towards higher penetration and better quality. Over the past two years, most of the fund outflow has been towards securing spectrum.

How is Uninor planning to raise funds?

Uninor is in a strong position. We have a peak funding from Telenor of `15,500 crore. We are operating within this funding and are able to sustain and invest for further growth in our six circles. However, our real strength comes from the fact that we are approaching profitability across our operations. Three of our six circles have already reached that milestone and the rest will within 2013. This means we will be able to partly fund our expansion through funds generated within.

Are you keen on acquisitions?

Let me put it this way, we are not only open to but also in active pursuit of growth in India. We and Telenor Group have clearly stated that we will certainly evaluate them with a prudent approach.