ITV

Category: Telecom

  • Airtel 4G to reach nine circles via US$ 230-mn deal with Nokia as latter expands global PON

    Airtel 4G to reach nine circles via US$ 230-mn deal with Nokia as latter expands global PON

    MUMBAI: Finnish telecommunication network company and gear maker Nokia has pocketed a 4G network deal from Bharti Airtel in nine telecom service areas. Nokia meantime is also extending its fiber solution for universal next-gen passive optical networks (PON) to help operators more effectively scale, deploy and automate their networks as the demand for data grows.

    Nokia will deploy its available 4G technologies across Airtel regions of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, Rest of Bengal, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Odisha, Kerala and UP East. The coverage expansion will include major cities such as Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Patna and Siliguri.

    According to sources cited by Financial Express, the deal between the two telecoms is estimated to be worth around US$ 230 million.

    Nokia’s head of India market Sanjay Malik said, with the latest agreement, they had become the largest supplier of 4G for Airtel. The network expansion would provide the speed, capacity, coverage Airtel needs to meet the next wave of data demand in India, he added.

    The new agreement with Nokia will see Airtel expand the deployment of 4G technology in three new circles in addition to six circles it already serves, enabling launch of new services that started in September.

    Agreement between Nokia and Bharti Airtel will enhance coverage and access in urban, suburban and rural areas within nine circles in India, it added.

    Nokia’s universal PON solution launched in 2015 leverages existing fiber platforms and infrastructure to help operators evolve networks in a gradual way, adding wavelengths in line with demand.

    The solution offers various next generation PON technologies including XGS-PON and TWDM-PON on a single platform and line card. Operators can connect subscribers with any type of optical network terminal (ONTs) regardless of whether it’s XGPON1, XGS-PON or TWDM-PON, eliminating the risk of technology and platform lock-in, the New Indian Express reported.

    Now, Nokia is enhancing its universal solution to provide operators with a higher density option that can reduce costs. Increasing deployment flexibility, the enhancements include new SDN/NFV-based capabilities that automate and simplify the deployment, maintenance and evolution of traditional fiber networks. This provides a smooth evolution path to 10G symmetrical or asymmetrical speeds with cost-efficient non-tunable XGS-PON optics and to TWDM-PON with tunable optics.

  • Idea, Vodafone neck-and-neck with Airtel, Jio in 4G tussle

    Idea, Vodafone neck-and-neck with Airtel, Jio in 4G tussle

    Idea and Vodafone have spent astronomical sums in spectrum auctions to acquire 2500 MHz airwaves so as to give a tough fight to Airtel and Jio which already have pan-India 4G holdings. Two of three telecom majors in India are betting on lower price of 2500 MHz. Idea Cellular and Vodafone India seem to have bet on 4G airwaves in that band.

    Global telecom expert Sanjay Kapoor however says, India would need further towers for 4G and investments. The former chairman of Micromax said that the telecom industry was moving towards consolidation.

    In the recent spectrum auction, nearly 60 per cent of airwaves, including premium 4G bands, remained unsold. Meanwhile, Airtel, Vodafone and Idea secured adequate 4G spectrum during the recently-concluded auction to counter Jio, making them more competitive, FE reported.

    Airtel acquired 173.8 MHz spectrum in bands of 1800MHz, 2100 MHz and 2300 Mhz for Rs 14,244 crore in circles including Kerala, Assam, Maharashtra, Delhi, Mumbai and the North-East. Idea acquired 349.20 MHz of spectrum for Rs 12,798 crore in 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands and will be able to offer 4G services on its own spectrum across 20 circles, including nine new service areas of Uttar Pradesh (West), UP (East), Gujarat and Mumbai.

    Vodafone India, which has emerged as the most aggressive bidder, has acquired spectrum in 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2500 MHz bands for a total cost of Rs 20,280 crore. It has 17 circles with 4G capability.

    Experts said Vodafone and Idea have taken the plunge amid a rapidly-evolving devices ecosystem in 2500 MHz band in China besides the lower price of these airwaves, ET stated.

    Idea’s management recently guided for a rollout on this 4G band over the next two to five years as the ecosystem matures. Brokerages expect the 2500 MHz band devices ecosystem to evolve quickly in India thanks to Vodafone and Idea investing in them. Nearly, half the Rs 20,280 crore that second-largest carrier Vodafone spent at the auction went to 4G airwaves in the 2500 MHz band in 15 circles, while No. 3 Idea spent Rs 2,520.8 crore on the same in 16 circles.

  • Idea, Vodafone neck-and-neck with Airtel, Jio in 4G tussle

    Idea, Vodafone neck-and-neck with Airtel, Jio in 4G tussle

    Idea and Vodafone have spent astronomical sums in spectrum auctions to acquire 2500 MHz airwaves so as to give a tough fight to Airtel and Jio which already have pan-India 4G holdings. Two of three telecom majors in India are betting on lower price of 2500 MHz. Idea Cellular and Vodafone India seem to have bet on 4G airwaves in that band.

    Global telecom expert Sanjay Kapoor however says, India would need further towers for 4G and investments. The former chairman of Micromax said that the telecom industry was moving towards consolidation.

    In the recent spectrum auction, nearly 60 per cent of airwaves, including premium 4G bands, remained unsold. Meanwhile, Airtel, Vodafone and Idea secured adequate 4G spectrum during the recently-concluded auction to counter Jio, making them more competitive, FE reported.

    Airtel acquired 173.8 MHz spectrum in bands of 1800MHz, 2100 MHz and 2300 Mhz for Rs 14,244 crore in circles including Kerala, Assam, Maharashtra, Delhi, Mumbai and the North-East. Idea acquired 349.20 MHz of spectrum for Rs 12,798 crore in 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands and will be able to offer 4G services on its own spectrum across 20 circles, including nine new service areas of Uttar Pradesh (West), UP (East), Gujarat and Mumbai.

    Vodafone India, which has emerged as the most aggressive bidder, has acquired spectrum in 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2500 MHz bands for a total cost of Rs 20,280 crore. It has 17 circles with 4G capability.

    Experts said Vodafone and Idea have taken the plunge amid a rapidly-evolving devices ecosystem in 2500 MHz band in China besides the lower price of these airwaves, ET stated.

    Idea’s management recently guided for a rollout on this 4G band over the next two to five years as the ecosystem matures. Brokerages expect the 2500 MHz band devices ecosystem to evolve quickly in India thanks to Vodafone and Idea investing in them. Nearly, half the Rs 20,280 crore that second-largest carrier Vodafone spent at the auction went to 4G airwaves in the 2500 MHz band in 15 circles, while No. 3 Idea spent Rs 2,520.8 crore on the same in 16 circles.

  • RCom reduces debt burden with 51% towers biz sale to Brookfield

    RCom reduces debt burden with 51% towers biz sale to Brookfield

    MUMBAI: Reliance Communications, an integrated telecommunications service provider, announced that it has signed term sheet with Brookfield Infrastructure Group for part-sale of its telecom tower business. RCom is selling 51% stake in tower unit for Rs 11,000 crore. The deal involving 45,000 mobile towers will facilitate RCom to lessen debt burden.

    Reliance Communications has a net debt of Rs. 42,000 crores as of end-June, which it expects to cut by Rs. 20,000 crore. Reliance had been looking to sell its mobile towers business, and had expected to seal a deal by October, CEO Gurdeep Singh had said earlier.

    Under the existing conditions, the specified assets are intended to be transferred from Reliance Infratel Ltd. (RITL) on a going concern basis into a separate SPV, to be owned by Brookfield. RCom will own 49% in the SPV.

    RCom will receive an upfront cash payment of Rs 11000 crore, and will also enjoy 49% future economic upside from the towers business, based on certain conditions.

    RCom said that, under the term sheet, the specified assets are intended to be transferred from Reliance Infratel (RITL) on a going concern basis into a separate special purpose vehicle (SPV), to be owned by Brookfield. RCom will continue as an anchor tenant on the tower assets, under a long term MSA, for its integrated telecommunications business.

    RCom and Brookfield expect considerable growth in tenancies based on increasing 4G offerings by all telecom operators, and the fast accelerating trends in data consumption, which are expected to contribute to significant growth in revenues and profitability for the towers business in the future.

    RCom and Brookfield also see several opportunities for consolidation in the towers industry in India that will further enhance growth and value creation in the future. The proposed transaction is subject to definitive documentation, customary approvals and certain other terms and conditions.

    RCom will continue as an anchor tenant on the tower assets, under a long-term pact, for its integrated telecom business.

    Both companies expect considerable growth in tenancies on the back of increasing 4G offerings by all telecom service providers, and data consumption growth, as they are expected to contribute to significant growth in revenues and profitability for the towers business in the future.

  • RCom reduces debt burden with 51% towers biz sale to Brookfield

    RCom reduces debt burden with 51% towers biz sale to Brookfield

    MUMBAI: Reliance Communications, an integrated telecommunications service provider, announced that it has signed term sheet with Brookfield Infrastructure Group for part-sale of its telecom tower business. RCom is selling 51% stake in tower unit for Rs 11,000 crore. The deal involving 45,000 mobile towers will facilitate RCom to lessen debt burden.

    Reliance Communications has a net debt of Rs. 42,000 crores as of end-June, which it expects to cut by Rs. 20,000 crore. Reliance had been looking to sell its mobile towers business, and had expected to seal a deal by October, CEO Gurdeep Singh had said earlier.

    Under the existing conditions, the specified assets are intended to be transferred from Reliance Infratel Ltd. (RITL) on a going concern basis into a separate SPV, to be owned by Brookfield. RCom will own 49% in the SPV.

    RCom will receive an upfront cash payment of Rs 11000 crore, and will also enjoy 49% future economic upside from the towers business, based on certain conditions.

    RCom said that, under the term sheet, the specified assets are intended to be transferred from Reliance Infratel (RITL) on a going concern basis into a separate special purpose vehicle (SPV), to be owned by Brookfield. RCom will continue as an anchor tenant on the tower assets, under a long term MSA, for its integrated telecommunications business.

    RCom and Brookfield expect considerable growth in tenancies based on increasing 4G offerings by all telecom operators, and the fast accelerating trends in data consumption, which are expected to contribute to significant growth in revenues and profitability for the towers business in the future.

    RCom and Brookfield also see several opportunities for consolidation in the towers industry in India that will further enhance growth and value creation in the future. The proposed transaction is subject to definitive documentation, customary approvals and certain other terms and conditions.

    RCom will continue as an anchor tenant on the tower assets, under a long-term pact, for its integrated telecom business.

    Both companies expect considerable growth in tenancies on the back of increasing 4G offerings by all telecom service providers, and data consumption growth, as they are expected to contribute to significant growth in revenues and profitability for the towers business in the future.

  • Jio signs up 16 million 4G subs; target, 100 million

    Jio signs up 16 million 4G subs; target, 100 million

    MUMBAI: Think Big. Think Global. That’s been the motto of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani. And, now the world’s biggest start-up Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. (Jio) — which he has been incubating for more than half a decade — has announced that it has achieved a global first.

    The number of registered sign-ups Jio has achieved in the first month of its 4G commercial launch – September 2016 — has crossed 16 million. That’s a faster adoption rate than that achieved by any telco or any start-up like Facebook, WhatsApp and Skype.

    And, of course, Ambani is pleased as punch by the consumer response. Said he in a press release: “We are delighted and humbled by the overwhelming response across India to the Jio Welcome Offer. Jio is built to empower every Indian with the power of data. We are delighted that people have recognized this and are utilizing our services to the fullest. We are customer-obsessed and committed to improve every day to exceed expectations of our customers.”

    Observers say Jio’s subscriber number could have been higher had Ambani and Jio managed to not run into a wall with older competitors like Airtel, Vodafone, Idea. Jio – which has made calls free – reported humungous amount of call failures because its rivals disallowed call connections by the newbie’s users.

    Jio is looking to disrupt the entire Indian telecom ecosystem. While all Indian telcos charge for calls, Jio announced that it would not be charging for calls made using its network. And it announced cheaper data plans than rivals. It has been running its Jio Welcome Offer wherein all its services – including data and apps – are free for customers until 31 December 2016. Last week, it announced an offer for iPhone users wherein buyers of the 7, the 7 Plus, the 6, the 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, and the 5SE would not be charged for data and services for 12 months.

    To top it all, Jio has introduced Aadhaar-based paper-less Jio SIM activation across 3,100 cities and towns. This enables the customer to complete the SIM activation process in a matter of minutes, with only his/her Aadhaar number.

    The press release states that the “this process will be extended across the country and fully stabilized for satisfactory on-boarding experience in the next few weeks.”

    Ambani announced at the company’s AGM at the beginning of this month that Jio had set its ambitions high. His goal was to have 100 million subscribers to its services within a year.

    Rivals have been scrambling to ward off the Jio onslaught, dropping prices for data and bandwidth, as well as offering value added services at promotional rates.

    The overall Indian telecom sector has been seeing shifts too. According to the latest telecom data up to 31 July 2016, the wireless telecom subscriber base shrank to 1034.2 million as against 1035.1 million in end June. Amongst the big losers in the month were Reliance Communications which shed 32.4 lakh customers, and Tata Teleservices and Sistema lost 6,96,325 and 2,28,626 subscribers.

    Bharti Airtel led in the gainers table, adding a net 10.7 lakh new customers, taking its total sub base to 256.8 million, whereas Vodafone added 326,248 to take its tally to 199.7 million. Idea signed up 256,170 users taking its final number to 176.4 million.

    With Jio expected to spread out its availability further in the coming months, observers are expecting the battles to continue.

  • Jio signs up 16 million 4G subs; target, 100 million

    Jio signs up 16 million 4G subs; target, 100 million

    MUMBAI: Think Big. Think Global. That’s been the motto of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani. And, now the world’s biggest start-up Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. (Jio) — which he has been incubating for more than half a decade — has announced that it has achieved a global first.

    The number of registered sign-ups Jio has achieved in the first month of its 4G commercial launch – September 2016 — has crossed 16 million. That’s a faster adoption rate than that achieved by any telco or any start-up like Facebook, WhatsApp and Skype.

    And, of course, Ambani is pleased as punch by the consumer response. Said he in a press release: “We are delighted and humbled by the overwhelming response across India to the Jio Welcome Offer. Jio is built to empower every Indian with the power of data. We are delighted that people have recognized this and are utilizing our services to the fullest. We are customer-obsessed and committed to improve every day to exceed expectations of our customers.”

    Observers say Jio’s subscriber number could have been higher had Ambani and Jio managed to not run into a wall with older competitors like Airtel, Vodafone, Idea. Jio – which has made calls free – reported humungous amount of call failures because its rivals disallowed call connections by the newbie’s users.

    Jio is looking to disrupt the entire Indian telecom ecosystem. While all Indian telcos charge for calls, Jio announced that it would not be charging for calls made using its network. And it announced cheaper data plans than rivals. It has been running its Jio Welcome Offer wherein all its services – including data and apps – are free for customers until 31 December 2016. Last week, it announced an offer for iPhone users wherein buyers of the 7, the 7 Plus, the 6, the 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, and the 5SE would not be charged for data and services for 12 months.

    To top it all, Jio has introduced Aadhaar-based paper-less Jio SIM activation across 3,100 cities and towns. This enables the customer to complete the SIM activation process in a matter of minutes, with only his/her Aadhaar number.

    The press release states that the “this process will be extended across the country and fully stabilized for satisfactory on-boarding experience in the next few weeks.”

    Ambani announced at the company’s AGM at the beginning of this month that Jio had set its ambitions high. His goal was to have 100 million subscribers to its services within a year.

    Rivals have been scrambling to ward off the Jio onslaught, dropping prices for data and bandwidth, as well as offering value added services at promotional rates.

    The overall Indian telecom sector has been seeing shifts too. According to the latest telecom data up to 31 July 2016, the wireless telecom subscriber base shrank to 1034.2 million as against 1035.1 million in end June. Amongst the big losers in the month were Reliance Communications which shed 32.4 lakh customers, and Tata Teleservices and Sistema lost 6,96,325 and 2,28,626 subscribers.

    Bharti Airtel led in the gainers table, adding a net 10.7 lakh new customers, taking its total sub base to 256.8 million, whereas Vodafone added 326,248 to take its tally to 199.7 million. Idea signed up 256,170 users taking its final number to 176.4 million.

    With Jio expected to spread out its availability further in the coming months, observers are expecting the battles to continue.

  • Jio, Reliance Retail offer freebies with iPhone7, 7+

    Jio, Reliance Retail offer freebies with iPhone7, 7+

    MUMBAI: Even before the iPhone7 became available in retail stores, Apple had announced that the flood of pre-orders had resulted it being sold out in the US. The Cupertino – hqed company is pulling out all the stops to ensure that its debut in India generates as much of good news. And it’s tie ups with the Mukesh Ambai owned Reliance Retail and Jio are steps in that direction.

    Buyers of a new iPhone7 and iPhone7 Plus, are being offered Rs 1,499 worth Jio Digital Life services complimentary for 12 months from 1 January 2017. This includes unlimited local, STD and national roaming voice, unlimited text, 20 GB of 4G Data, 40 GB of WiFi Data and Unlimited Night 4G Data, unlimited subscription to premium Jio Applications. The offer is valid in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru only.

    And it has also been extended to new purchases of older iPhone models such as the 6s, 6s+, 6, 6+, 5SE across all Reliance Digital stores and select Apple Premium Resellers (APR) and Apple Authorized Resellers (AAR).

    Plus of course, they are entitled to the three months of free data, voice and app services until 31 December 2016. Making it a total of 15 months of freebies if they buy one of the above iPhone models now.

    “Today’s announcement brings together India’s best premium 4G network with the incredible iPhone experience,” said Jio president Mathew Oommen. “Jio is India’s 4G-only network, providing high-speed internet across India. The true power of iPhones can now be experienced by all Indian iPhone users on the Jio network.”

    Reliance Retail is offering users the convenience of pre-ordering the iPhone models online and having them delivered, installed and activated with Jio services in their homes.

    “It’s a great initiative by Apple, Jio and Reliance Retail,” says a marketing consultant. “It should lead to volume uptakes. However, With Jio’s calls now getting connected with other mobile telcos easier than before, one will have to wait and watch whether it can provide consistent service in both data speeds and in voice.”

    Jio is currently under challenge from other mobile providers like Airtel, Vodafone and Idea who have also shaved their 4G wireless broadband prices, in line with it playing the volume and price warrior game.

  • Jio, Reliance Retail offer freebies with iPhone7, 7+

    Jio, Reliance Retail offer freebies with iPhone7, 7+

    MUMBAI: Even before the iPhone7 became available in retail stores, Apple had announced that the flood of pre-orders had resulted it being sold out in the US. The Cupertino – hqed company is pulling out all the stops to ensure that its debut in India generates as much of good news. And it’s tie ups with the Mukesh Ambai owned Reliance Retail and Jio are steps in that direction.

    Buyers of a new iPhone7 and iPhone7 Plus, are being offered Rs 1,499 worth Jio Digital Life services complimentary for 12 months from 1 January 2017. This includes unlimited local, STD and national roaming voice, unlimited text, 20 GB of 4G Data, 40 GB of WiFi Data and Unlimited Night 4G Data, unlimited subscription to premium Jio Applications. The offer is valid in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru only.

    And it has also been extended to new purchases of older iPhone models such as the 6s, 6s+, 6, 6+, 5SE across all Reliance Digital stores and select Apple Premium Resellers (APR) and Apple Authorized Resellers (AAR).

    Plus of course, they are entitled to the three months of free data, voice and app services until 31 December 2016. Making it a total of 15 months of freebies if they buy one of the above iPhone models now.

    “Today’s announcement brings together India’s best premium 4G network with the incredible iPhone experience,” said Jio president Mathew Oommen. “Jio is India’s 4G-only network, providing high-speed internet across India. The true power of iPhones can now be experienced by all Indian iPhone users on the Jio network.”

    Reliance Retail is offering users the convenience of pre-ordering the iPhone models online and having them delivered, installed and activated with Jio services in their homes.

    “It’s a great initiative by Apple, Jio and Reliance Retail,” says a marketing consultant. “It should lead to volume uptakes. However, With Jio’s calls now getting connected with other mobile telcos easier than before, one will have to wait and watch whether it can provide consistent service in both data speeds and in voice.”

    Jio is currently under challenge from other mobile providers like Airtel, Vodafone and Idea who have also shaved their 4G wireless broadband prices, in line with it playing the volume and price warrior game.

  • Reliance Jio announces acquisition of 269.2 MHz spectrum

    Reliance Jio announces acquisition of 269.2 MHz spectrum

    Mumbai, 6th October 2016: Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd (“RJIL”) announces that it has successfully acquired the right to use 269.2 MHz (UL+DL) spectrum across all 22 Service Areas in India in the recently concluded spectrum auction conducted by DOT, Government of India. Service Area wise details of spectrum acquired are as per below:

    Service Area 800 MHz band (Paired)

    1800 MHz band

    (Paired)

    2300 MHz band

    (Unpaired)
    Andhra Pradesh – – 10.00
    Assam – – 10.00
    Bihar – 5.00 10.00
    Delhi – – 10.00
    Gujarat 5.00 – 10.00
    Haryana – 1.00 –
    Himachal Pradesh – 5.00 10.00
    Jammu & Kashmir – 10.00 –
    Karnataka – – 10.00
    Kerala – – 10.00
    Kolkata – – 10.00
    Madhya Pradesh – – 10.00
    Maharashtra – – 10.00
    Mumbai – – 10.00
    North East – – 10.00
    Odisha – – 10.00
    Punjab 3.75 5.20 –
    Rajasthan 5.00 – –
    Tamil Nadu – – 10.00
    Uttar Pradesh (East) 1.25 3.40 –
    Uttar Pradesh (West) – 5.00 –
    West Bengal – 5.00 10.00
    Total 15.00 39.60 160.00

    Enhancement of spectrum footprint

    RJIL has renewed its expiring spectrum in 800 MHz band in Gujarat circle and purchased additional spectrum in the 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2300 MHz bands at 6.5% premium to reserve price.

    Through this acquisition, RJIL’s total spectrum footprint has increased to 1,108 MHz(UL+DL) with an average life of over 16 years, further strengthening its leadership position in liberalized spectrum holdings. RJIL’s spectrum footprint ensures availability of spectrum in all the three bands across the country and enhances its network capacity at negligible incremental capital and operating expenditure.

    Mukesh D Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Industries Limited, said “We have expanded our spectrum footprint thereby significantly enhancing capacity of our all-IP data strong network and ensuring world class services for all Indians. Jio is committed to taking India to global digital leadership by bringing the power of data to all Indians.”

    Cost

    The payment to be made for the right to use of this technology agnostic spectrum for a period of 20 years is Rs. 13,672crore, as per the details below:

    (amount in Rs. crore)

    Frequency Band

    Total Payment

    800 MHz

    3,623

    1800 MHz

    2,154

    2300 MHz

    7,895

    Total

    13,672

    The above results are provisional and subject to DOTconfirmation.