Source: Deepali Gupta, ET Bureau
MUMBAI: Idea Cellular will use the coming auctions to build a bandwidth pool for offering future technologies including fourth generation (4G) services, which will pit it directly against Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Jio Infocomm and India’s number 1 operator Bharti Airtel
It is not interested in bandwidth to expand its 2G voice services in the upcoming auctions, chief executive Himanshu Kapania said in an interview to ET.
“I have no need for GSM spectrum. If you tell me this auction is only for GSM (voice) service, I will withdraw my application (to bid)”.
The fast-growing operator’s bidding would hinge on its success to procure continuous spectrum, Kapania said. India’s number 3 mobile phone operator is keen on expanding its 3G presence in the country, beyond the licenses for 11 circles it currently has.
Kapania’s comments follow those of Vodafone India’s technology director Vishant Vora who recently said that India’s number 2 operator will not be interested in the 1800 MHz bandwidth which can only be used for GSM voice services unless it is continuous, but on 5MHz continuous in the 1800 band, operators can offer 4G services as well.
Both Jio and Bharti have bandwidth in the 2300 Mhz to offer 4G services, but Vodafone and Idea don’t. The ecosystem around 4G on 1800 Mhz is fast developing globally.
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