India’s third largest telecom operator, Idea Cellular, launched 4G services in Bengaluru on Thursday and had plans of rapidly expanding its services to various cities in the country like Bellary, Bijapur, Udupi-Manipal and 18 more towns by this financial year end. Along with Bangalore, Idea has launched its 4G services in other cities as well such as Toranagal, Mulbagal, Kunigal, Harihar, Udyavara and Channarayapatna.
Deputy Managing Director of Idea Cellular, Ambrish Jain stated that around 1,000 towers have been enabled in Karnataka for offering 4G services, out of which 600 are in Bengaluru.
He further added that they will keep expanding these numbers gradually. By March 2016, the company also has plans for launching 4G services in North East, Orissa, Maharashtra & Goa circles.
Jain also stated that currently the service is offered in 1800 MHz spectrum in these ten circles, covering 50% of the telecom market and contributing to 60% of gross revenue. Soon the capability of offering voice over the 4G network would be developed by the company.
Chief Operating Officer of Karnataka Circle, Siva Ganapathi, also commented on the launch and stated that 18 out of 39 towns in which 4G is being offered is exclusive to Idea. The company is the only telecom operator that is offering 4G in these cities.
He also added that they are covering around Rs. 1.2 crores of the population in Karnataka under 4G Network.
By June 2016, the company has plans for expanding its 4G footprint to 10 telecom circles covering 750 cities across India.
1 Comment