Bharti Airtel has challenged Reliance Jio by introducing 135 Mbps data speed. In a statement, the company revealed that it has deployed carrier aggregation technology in Mumbai and Kerala to combine various bands of spectrum. It creates larger blocks of airwaves to offer quick and state 4G data services for mobile connectivity users. The improved service will enable peak download speeds of up to 135 Mbps, which is significantly faster than what users get on a normal 4G network. According to experts, Airtel has virtually thrown the big ball at Jio. This is because Jio had promised a 40 to 80 percent enhanced broadband speeds than other competitors. Currently, Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio is conducting series of trials all over India. Many users claim that the average speed of the Reliance Jio 4G in only pegged at 80 to 90 Mbps.
Commenting on the development, Rohan Dhamija, who runs Analysys Mason, enhanced speeds can be achieved through carrier aggregation, which will transform 4G into a better and usable product for consumers. This technique will provide carriers with an additional marketing handle.
Dhamija disclosed that carriers often create publicity stunt by creating promotional campaigns as part of their marketing strategy. The main aim of the service providers is to somehow attract customers and they would want to highlight it to consumers as a differentiating factor.
Reliance Jio dubbed to offer lower rates
Meanwhile, Reliance Jio had commented that the company offers services at substantially lower rates than rivals. To combat battle with Jio, service providers such as Airtel, Vodafone India, and Idea Cellular have already slashed effective data tariffs by 67 percent for prepaid customers.
Decrease in rates by Airtel
In the meantime, Airtel has started to offer free and unlimited voice calls with select post-paid data packs. The company is also offering data at rock-bottom prices for some plans in a bid to retain premium customers. Moreover, this tactic is adopted by Airtel to prevent customers from migrating to Reliance Jio.
Recently, Reliance Jio has started to offer exclusive three-month preview offer of free voice and data packages for major smartphone brands in India.
Airtel tapping Aircel spectrum – A real bonus
According to sources, Airtel is planning to widen the battle on the speed front by effectively deploying the technology in several core segments. If you follow the telecom market, you will know that the company has acquired spectrum from Aircel through a trading deal. Hence, the company will be able to offer improved speeds in 13 circles in India.
Vodafone and Idea nowhere in the picture
As of this writing, the main battle is between Airtel and Jio since Vodafone and Idea are not in a position to take advantage of this technology because these companies don’t have multiple 4G bands across India. However, you can expect changes after the forthcoming spectrum auctions.
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