Category: Telecom

  • 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.

     

     

     

  • International roaming incoming calls on Airtel to be free

    International roaming incoming calls on Airtel to be free

    MUMBAI: Bharti Airtel, one of India’s largest telecommunications services provider, today announced the launch of its new international roaming (IR) packs that redefine the value proposition for customers traveling abroad, a communique to the BSE stated.

    With the new IR packs, customers will have the convenience of carrying their India mobile number wherever they go and stay connected 24×7 without having to worry about high call and data charges. The packs will be available to both postpaid and prepaid customers.

    Airtel’s new IR packs offer free incoming calls, free texts to India and ample data benefits along with free India calling minutes across all popular destinations. Charges for calls to India and local in-country calls have been reduced to as low as Rs. 3/min across popular destinations. Airtel also announced that post the exhaustion of pack data benefits, international roaming data will now be charged at just Rs. 3/MB, a reduction of 99% from Rs. 650/MB.

    The IR packs, available for all popular global destinations, come with validity of one day and 30 days, giving customers greater flexibility to plan their communication budgets when traveling overseas.

    The one day pack is designed for short/quick international trips and for appx. $10. This pack is particularly useful for business travelers who may be traveling to multiple destinations for very short duration. The 30 days pack offers connectivity through long duration trips for appx. $75. With the holiday season around the corner, Airtel plans to launch a $45 medium duration pack with 10 days validity by middle of October 2016.

    Bharti Airtel director – operations (India & south Asia) said, “The new IR packs ensure that customers get no bill shocks and have the convenience of always keeping their phones switched on, wherever they are.”

  • International roaming incoming calls on Airtel to be free

    International roaming incoming calls on Airtel to be free

    MUMBAI: Bharti Airtel, one of India’s largest telecommunications services provider, today announced the launch of its new international roaming (IR) packs that redefine the value proposition for customers traveling abroad, a communique to the BSE stated.

    With the new IR packs, customers will have the convenience of carrying their India mobile number wherever they go and stay connected 24×7 without having to worry about high call and data charges. The packs will be available to both postpaid and prepaid customers.

    Airtel’s new IR packs offer free incoming calls, free texts to India and ample data benefits along with free India calling minutes across all popular destinations. Charges for calls to India and local in-country calls have been reduced to as low as Rs. 3/min across popular destinations. Airtel also announced that post the exhaustion of pack data benefits, international roaming data will now be charged at just Rs. 3/MB, a reduction of 99% from Rs. 650/MB.

    The IR packs, available for all popular global destinations, come with validity of one day and 30 days, giving customers greater flexibility to plan their communication budgets when traveling overseas.

    The one day pack is designed for short/quick international trips and for appx. $10. This pack is particularly useful for business travelers who may be traveling to multiple destinations for very short duration. The 30 days pack offers connectivity through long duration trips for appx. $75. With the holiday season around the corner, Airtel plans to launch a $45 medium duration pack with 10 days validity by middle of October 2016.

    Bharti Airtel director – operations (India & south Asia) said, “The new IR packs ensure that customers get no bill shocks and have the convenience of always keeping their phones switched on, wherever they are.”

  • Aircel-Maxis case: 2G court seeks to speed trial against Marans

    Aircel-Maxis case: 2G court seeks to speed trial against Marans

    MUMBAI: Is the hand of the law closing in on Sun TV promoter Kalanithi Maran and his brother, the former telecom minister, Dayanidhi Maran?

    A special 2G court has decided that the trial against the two brothers be separated from Malaysian nationals T.Ananda Krishnan and Augustus Ralph Marshall and two firms Astro All Asia Network PLC and Maxis Communication Berhad, co-accused in the Aircel-Maxis case. The reason: the latter may not appear, which could delay the trial proceedings.

    According to a PTI report, special judge O.P. Saini has ordered the issue of an open and perpetual arrest warrant against Krishnan and Marshall.

    Krishnan is the driving force behind the leading Malaysian DTH operator Astro and was once known for his proximity to former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohammed.

    Despite several efforts, summons have not been served on both, Krishnan and Marshall, as the Malaysian authorities have not been cooperating and effecting the service. This is despite the legal mutual assistance treaty between India and the south east Asian nation.

    The CBI, which has filed the charge sheet against the eight accused for offences punishable under section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC and under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, had pleaded with the court to issue arrest warrants against Krishnan and Marshall in August.

    In the 27-page order, the court noted that the allegations against the accused were “serious” and the only way left was to approach Interpol for which issuance of warrant was necessary.

    Said the court:

    “It is ordered that the trial of the appearing accused, that is, Dayanidhi Maran, Kalanithi Maran, M/s Sun Direct TV Pvt Ltd and M/s South Asia Entertainment Holdings Ltd be segregated from the trial of accused Ralph Marshall, T Ananda Krishnan, M/s Astro All Asia Network Plc and M/s Maxis Communications Berhad.

    “Miscellaneous file be opened relating these four accused, who are yet to be served. It is further ordered that an open and perpetual warrant of arrest be issued against Marshall and Krishnan.”

    “Malaysian authorities have categorically declined to effect the service. In such a situation, the only way left is to approach the Interpol and for that issue of warrant is necessary…

    “In such a situation when further issuance of summons would be a futile exercise, it is rightful for the prosecution to ask for warrant of arrest against the accused.”

  • Aircel-Maxis case: 2G court seeks to speed trial against Marans

    Aircel-Maxis case: 2G court seeks to speed trial against Marans

    MUMBAI: Is the hand of the law closing in on Sun TV promoter Kalanithi Maran and his brother, the former telecom minister, Dayanidhi Maran?

    A special 2G court has decided that the trial against the two brothers be separated from Malaysian nationals T.Ananda Krishnan and Augustus Ralph Marshall and two firms Astro All Asia Network PLC and Maxis Communication Berhad, co-accused in the Aircel-Maxis case. The reason: the latter may not appear, which could delay the trial proceedings.

    According to a PTI report, special judge O.P. Saini has ordered the issue of an open and perpetual arrest warrant against Krishnan and Marshall.

    Krishnan is the driving force behind the leading Malaysian DTH operator Astro and was once known for his proximity to former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohammed.

    Despite several efforts, summons have not been served on both, Krishnan and Marshall, as the Malaysian authorities have not been cooperating and effecting the service. This is despite the legal mutual assistance treaty between India and the south east Asian nation.

    The CBI, which has filed the charge sheet against the eight accused for offences punishable under section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC and under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, had pleaded with the court to issue arrest warrants against Krishnan and Marshall in August.

    In the 27-page order, the court noted that the allegations against the accused were “serious” and the only way left was to approach Interpol for which issuance of warrant was necessary.

    Said the court:

    “It is ordered that the trial of the appearing accused, that is, Dayanidhi Maran, Kalanithi Maran, M/s Sun Direct TV Pvt Ltd and M/s South Asia Entertainment Holdings Ltd be segregated from the trial of accused Ralph Marshall, T Ananda Krishnan, M/s Astro All Asia Network Plc and M/s Maxis Communications Berhad.

    “Miscellaneous file be opened relating these four accused, who are yet to be served. It is further ordered that an open and perpetual warrant of arrest be issued against Marshall and Krishnan.”

    “Malaysian authorities have categorically declined to effect the service. In such a situation, the only way left is to approach the Interpol and for that issue of warrant is necessary…

    “In such a situation when further issuance of summons would be a futile exercise, it is rightful for the prosecution to ask for warrant of arrest against the accused.”

  • Jio battles incumbents as Airtel launches Rs 1495 free data plan

    Jio battles incumbents as Airtel launches Rs 1495 free data plan

    MUMBAI: The fisticuffs continue in the 4G telecom marketplace. Even as Reliance Jio has been waging a war of press releases, highlighting how many of its subscribers’ calls are being refused by Idea, Airtel and Vodafone, the Sunil Mittal-led telco today too issued a press release through which it is taking a jab at the Mukesh Ambani-owned telco’s free call and data offer.

    Airtel says it has started offering a free data package for Rs 1495 only, and for prepaid customers only. If you are paying for it, then how is it free? Airtel explains that consumers can surf at wild speeds up to the 30GB data and 90-day limit, after which the accelerator needle will drop to 64kbps. And that’s when the free part of surfing will come in – but at super slow speed.

    At the price of Rs 1495 for 30 GB means the data is coming your way cheaper than the Reliance Jio offer of Rs 50 for a GB. The only difference is you are plonking down the money upfront.

    Will Reliance Jio react to this outrageous offer from a rival telco? No one knows, but it definitely has reacted to rival telco Idea on another front: that of call drops. It says that the Aditya Birla group-owned Idea is blocking out calls from Jio customers, refusing them connectivity. Says the Jio press release: “Adequate interconnection capacity so that call failure rate is less than 5 per 1,000 is a license obligation of all telecom operators. As against this, over 750 calls per 1,000 are failing per day between Idea and Jio networks, which translates to four crore calls failing per day. Over 12 crore calls fail daily between Jio and the networks of Airtel, Vodafone and Idea. This is a breach of licence conditions by the incumbent operators and severely impacts customer interests. This is against zero call failures on the Jio network.”

  • Jio battles incumbents as Airtel launches Rs 1495 free data plan

    Jio battles incumbents as Airtel launches Rs 1495 free data plan

    MUMBAI: The fisticuffs continue in the 4G telecom marketplace. Even as Reliance Jio has been waging a war of press releases, highlighting how many of its subscribers’ calls are being refused by Idea, Airtel and Vodafone, the Sunil Mittal-led telco today too issued a press release through which it is taking a jab at the Mukesh Ambani-owned telco’s free call and data offer.

    Airtel says it has started offering a free data package for Rs 1495 only, and for prepaid customers only. If you are paying for it, then how is it free? Airtel explains that consumers can surf at wild speeds up to the 30GB data and 90-day limit, after which the accelerator needle will drop to 64kbps. And that’s when the free part of surfing will come in – but at super slow speed.

    At the price of Rs 1495 for 30 GB means the data is coming your way cheaper than the Reliance Jio offer of Rs 50 for a GB. The only difference is you are plonking down the money upfront.

    Will Reliance Jio react to this outrageous offer from a rival telco? No one knows, but it definitely has reacted to rival telco Idea on another front: that of call drops. It says that the Aditya Birla group-owned Idea is blocking out calls from Jio customers, refusing them connectivity. Says the Jio press release: “Adequate interconnection capacity so that call failure rate is less than 5 per 1,000 is a license obligation of all telecom operators. As against this, over 750 calls per 1,000 are failing per day between Idea and Jio networks, which translates to four crore calls failing per day. Over 12 crore calls fail daily between Jio and the networks of Airtel, Vodafone and Idea. This is a breach of licence conditions by the incumbent operators and severely impacts customer interests. This is against zero call failures on the Jio network.”

  • Digital India: Vodafone receives largest-ever FDI

    Digital India: Vodafone receives largest-ever FDI

    MUMBAI: Vodafone India has made the largest-ever equity infusion of Rs 47,700 crore in the country.

    One of India’s leading telecom service-providers today announced that it had become the service provider of choice to over 200 million customers in India. As India’s second-largest telecom service provider with 22.5% revenue market share, over half of the customers (107 million) come from rural India endorsing Vodafone as the preferred brand in urban India as well as the hinterland.

    Vodafone further announced that it had received the equity infusion from Vodafone Group in the first half of the current fiscal. This infusion via foreign direct investment (FDI) is the largest ever FDI infusion in India.

    Sunil Sood, MD & CEO, Vodafone India, said, “With our commitment to support the Digital India vision, we are building one of the most modern and scalable telecom networks to deliver connectivity and the Vodafone SuperNet™ experience to all, for both voice and data.”

    We have successfully increased our revenue market share by 0.6% in the first quarter of current fiscal. This equity infusion will enable Vodafone India to continue its investments in spectrum and expansion of networks across various technology layers.

  • Digital India: Vodafone receives largest-ever FDI

    Digital India: Vodafone receives largest-ever FDI

    MUMBAI: Vodafone India has made the largest-ever equity infusion of Rs 47,700 crore in the country.

    One of India’s leading telecom service-providers today announced that it had become the service provider of choice to over 200 million customers in India. As India’s second-largest telecom service provider with 22.5% revenue market share, over half of the customers (107 million) come from rural India endorsing Vodafone as the preferred brand in urban India as well as the hinterland.

    Vodafone further announced that it had received the equity infusion from Vodafone Group in the first half of the current fiscal. This infusion via foreign direct investment (FDI) is the largest ever FDI infusion in India.

    Sunil Sood, MD & CEO, Vodafone India, said, “With our commitment to support the Digital India vision, we are building one of the most modern and scalable telecom networks to deliver connectivity and the Vodafone SuperNet™ experience to all, for both voice and data.”

    We have successfully increased our revenue market share by 0.6% in the first quarter of current fiscal. This equity infusion will enable Vodafone India to continue its investments in spectrum and expansion of networks across various technology layers.

  • Idea Cellular  to offer live TV, music services

    Idea Cellular to offer live TV, music services

    MUMBAI: It’s the charge of the telco brigade. First Airtel and Reliance Jio hared into the content space by announcing their Wynk, Wynk Video and Wynk Games and JioGames, JioCinema, JioTV, JioPlay, JioOnDemand services offering an array of video, music, game chat apps. Now it’s the turn of another telco major – the Aditya Birla group owned Idea Cellular – to do the same. In an investor presentation, the company says it is planning its own range of mobile digital services right from live television to videos to music to games to music to news/magazines to chat and even money transfers.

    First off the blocks will be Idea Game Spark (Q3 FY 2017), Idea Videos and Idea Music before the last quarter of FY 2017 (January-March 2017). Idea TV, Idea News/magazines, Idea storage and Idea chat will follow in FY 2018 (April 2017 onwards).

    In the presentation, Idea says it expects mobile data usage to sky rocket just like voice over mobile did in the growth phase of wireless telephony. About 1.1 billion Indians will get access to wireless broadband by 2019-2020 (250-300 million in March 2015), and the subscriber base of 3G/4G services is expected to rapidly swell from 130 million in March 2016 to 540 million by 2021. Idea expects data consumption per user to more than treble from the current 475 MB per month in the same period.

    In March 2016, it had 22.8 million wireless broadband subs each of whom consumed 642 MB of data per month. Idea explains that its broadband services today are available to 400 million Indians; it is targeting to expand that 500 million by March 2017. It’s on course to have nearly 100,000 data sites active in 17 circles by the end of FY-2017.

    With the launch of its digital content and other apps, mobile subscribers are likely to be spoiled for choice and competition is expected to hot up between Jio, Airtel, Vodafone and Idea. For television channels and content creators, however, it’s going to open up new worlds of opportunity.