Videocon Telecom is all set to release 4G services in 29 key cities across Uttar Pradesh East, Uttar Pradesh West and Bihar. Videocon Telecom holds 5 MHz spectrum in the 1800 MHz band in these circles. It plans to utilize the entire spectrum for roll out of 4G LTE services in 29 key cities and offer voice on overlay network in these cities. Videocon Telecom claims that 4G LTE FDD technology is very efficient on 1800 MHz and provides greater speeds and accommodates higher subscriber base.
Videocon Telecom will make an investment of over 1200 Crores in the next three years and is said to roll out its 4G LTE FDD services to 6 cities in Phase 1, 12 cities in Phase 2 and the remaining 11 cities in Phase 3. Videocon Telecom will offer 4G data at 2G/3G prices.
Speaking about the announcement, Arvind Bali, Director & CEO, Videocon Telecom said, “Mobile telephony is now over 20 years old now in the country, with still predominantly Voice play. Having lost the momentum that we built in 2010, we re-entered the industry just 2 years back. The voice market is already skimmed, with the incumbents in a dominating position having acquired a sizeable base of stable, loyal and high usage subscribers. Given the market dynamics, it doesn’t make sense for a new Telco to compete in the voice domain with ever shrinking margins & high cost.
Further, 5MHz spectrum is not enough to accommodate both Voice and Data. Looking at all the possibilities, we have strategized to look at the opportunity differently & utilize the entire 5MHz liberalized spectrum for rollout of 4G data services in select key cities and offer voice on overlay network in these cities. In other cities/towns, we will be offering voice on our Network.
Our strategy now is to take the first mover advantage on data & do what we couldn’t do on voice having missed the bus. This will also give is the distinction of being the first telco to offer 4G LTT FDD services on 1800 MHz in the country.
We plan to invest over Rs 1200 Cr in the next 3 years for rollout of 4G services in these 3 circles, and with this, we also plan to prioritize our ISP rollout in these circles to compliment 4G”.
We will be offering bundled 4G devices including Myfi dongles”. Mr Bali added.
