Tech Telecom

Vodafone is planning to launch its 4G services after the win in recent spectrum auctions. The company has announced its next phase of 4G rollout that includes Assam & North East, Maharashtra & Goa, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu (including Chennai) and UP (W). Precisely, the company plans to expand 4G to 2,400 towns and across 8 additional circles by March 2017.

The telecom operator currently offers high-speed 4G services in Mumbai, Delhi & NCR, Kolkata, Karnataka, Kerala, Haryana, Gujarat, UP (East) and West Bengal circles.

Announcing this new phase of 4G rollout, Sunil Sood, MD, and CEO, Vodafone India said, “We are actively working to expand 4G coverage in our circles across the country to offer our hundreds of million customers world-class data experience. We have enhanced our 4G roll out plans following the spectrum auction in which we emerged as the biggest winners.”

The telco has enhanced its 4G roll out plans following the spectrum auction in which it emerged as the biggest winner with bids worth Rs 20,280 crore to acquire spectrum in all its key telecom circles across 1800, 2100 and 2500 MHz bands, ahead of rivals such as Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular and the newcomer Reliance Jio. It recently paid 10,140 crores as the upfront payment for the spectrum.

“Utilizing this spectrum won, we will make available Vodafone SuperNet 4G services nationwide in 2400 towns and across 8 additional circles by the end of this fiscal instead of 1000 towns as announced earlier. Our investments in creating a modern and scalable network and partnering with leading global technology infrastructure service providers are enabling aggressive network rollout in terms of pace and scale of deployment.”

After the recent wins in spectrum auctions, the telco has 17 circles with 4G capability, covering 90 percent of the company’s total revenues and 94 per cent of mobile data revenues. The company also received equity infusion worth Rs 47,700 crore from its parent company.

Besides this announcement, Vodafone also welcomed the Government’s move of demonetization which it considers is a move towards a cashless economy. ‘Vodafone M-Pesa’ is an app which offers digital payment solutions to users.

“Vodafone India welcomes the Government’s bold step to accelerate India’s progress into a less cash economy. We reiterate our commitment to actualize the government’s vision through Vodafone M-Pesa that leverages the reach of mobile technology to enable financial inclusion and offers the convenience of a digital wallet for easy transactions,” said Suresh Sethi, Business Head, M-Pesa, Vodafone India.

After the Prime Minister’s announcement of banning Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 currency notes E-wallet services have witnessed an overwhelming surge in traffic.