Idea to expand 4G network to 20 circles

Mumbai: Idea Cellular, which is adding one broadband site every 10 minutes, intends to expand its 4G services to 20 circles in FY17. The telecom operator is planning to erect 57,000 additional sites this year to enable the launch of 4G in 9 circles and expand wireless broadband footprint across the country.

With the launch of 4G services in Uttar Pradesh (West), Uttar Pradesh (East), Gujarat, Mumbai, Bihar, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam and Jammu &; Kashmir where spectrum was acquired in the recent auction. Currently, Idea’s wireless broadband network is spread across 17 circles with a population of over 880 million, with 50 per cent of this population already covered. The company plans to achieve a network of nearly 250,000 sites and optical fibre network of 1.41 lakh km in this financial year. This will help the company lay a strong foundation for futuristic mobile broadband services, Idea said in statement.

“Idea’s 4G footprint, by the end of this year, will cover our key 20 circles contributing 94 per cent of the company revenue and 90 per cent of industry revenue. I am confident that our strengths of stable, reliable and legendary operational execution coupled with agile and adaptive work style, will keep us ahead of the curve as we move into the next phase of telecom industry revolution driven by digital,” said Himanshu Kapania, Managing Director, Idea Cellular.

As the company readies its pan-India broadband network, it is also gearing to be a key player in the digital services space. Idea expects to launch its Idea branded games in the third quarter of FY17 and ‘Idea Movies &; Music Services’ in future.

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Further, it intends to introduce live TV, digital magazines and newspaper subscription, video and audio chat, rich messaging and Voice over IP services in the next financial year. To support the network rollout, Idea has planned a capex of Rs.7,500-8,000 crore. Additionally, the company spent Rs.13,000 crore to acquire spectrum in the recent auction. Idea now has one of the strongest spectrum portfolio of nearly 900 MHz comprising a good mix of TDD and FDD bands.