Idea Cellular has launched 4G service in Pune and Nashik, two key towns in its largest circle, Maharashtra.
The network expansion happens after 45 of spectrum allocation, in which Idea Cellular acquired a huge chunk of spectrum in both FDD and TDD bands for Maharashtra circle. Currently 4G services are offered on 1800 MHz band.
View details of spectrum auction
Idea started offering 4G services in the region earlier this year, and has progressively rolled out the network to cover 430 towns with a population of 3.3 crore customers.
The service is currently available in Amravati, Aurangabad, Gondia, Kolhapur, Nagpur, Alibagh, Wardha, Jalna, Vasco, Panjim, and Margoa.
Idea has a strong spectrum portfolio in the circle, comprising of 900, 1800, 2100, 2300 and 2500 MHz bands. The company plans to utilize the TDD bands to expand wireless broadband services in future. It has recently expanded its 3G services utilizing the efficient 900 MHz band.
Rajat Mukarji, chief corporate affairs officer, Idea Cellular, said, “With nearly 900 MHz spectrum in both FDD and TDD bands, Idea is preparing itself to substantially enhance customer’s Wireless Data experience and capture a higher share of the exponentially growing Mobile Data business.”
With 33.9 percent RMS and 2.5 crore active customers, Idea is the largest mobile operator in Maharashtra & Goa. The company boasts the largest network comprising of over 27,000 cell sites, more than 50 percent of which is for wireless broadband services.
With the expansion of 4G services, Idea has also introduced a range of data packs starting at Rs. 47 along with a wide portfolio of digital content for the customers’ infotainment needs.
The company also offers a wide range of prepaid and postpaid packages under 4G.
Idea has partnered with device vendor Samsung for special offers on its 4G Smartphones. It has also tied up with popular smartphone manufacturers including Lenovo, Intex Technologies, Xiaomi and One Plus to offer bundled 4G data plans on smartphones.
editor@telecomled.com
