Idea Cellular launches 4G services in South India

NEW DELHI: Aditya Birla group-led Idea Cellular has launched its high speed 4G LTE services across all five states of South India – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.

In the first phase, Idea’s high speed 4G Network will be available across 75 Towns in Southern India.

Major towns to be covered with Idea’s 4G LTE services at launch are – Kochi, Hosur, Kadapa,Malapuram, Madurai, Mysore, Rajahmundry, Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli, Tiruppur, Vijayawada and Vishakhapatnam, while Belgaum, Calicut, Cuddalore, Chitradurga, Guntur, Kakinada, Kancheepuram and Trichur will follow by 31st December 2015.

The operator will rapidly expand 4G services in all Southern India metros and large towns including Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Trivandrum, Mangalore and Coimbatore by March 2016.

India’s 3rd largest telecom operator is also gearing to launch 4G LTE services by March 2016 in other key markets namely, Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra & Goa, Punjab, Haryana, North East and Orissa, in a phased manner. By June 2016, Idea’s 4G footprint will cover 750 cities across 10 telecom circles.

"All customers can avail a complimentary 4G SIM upgrade from Company Showrooms and leading retail outlets across 750 towns. Existing customers in key non-4G towns will also be able to enjoy Idea’s 4G services while roaming in these 4G towns by upgrading to 4G SIM cards from 15th February 2016," the company said.

The operator currently holds 1800 MHz 4G spectrum in these 10 Telecom circles which cover 50% of telecom market but over 60% of Idea’s gross revenue.

Additionally, Idea has recently signed an agreement with Videocon Telecommunications Limited for acquiring ‘Right to Use’ 1800 MHz spectrum under ‘Spectrum Trading Agreement’ in two of its key telecom leadership markets of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh (West). Post completion of this transaction, 4G services will be extended to 12 service areas, covering 75% of Idea’s revenue base in the country.

“Worldwide, 4G technology is gaining widespread acceptance with global 4G subscriptions crossing 1 billion mark. The launch of Idea 4G LTE services will further expand Idea’s Wireless Broadband network and propel the brand to an even higher growth trajectory, consolidating its market position,” said Himanshu Kapania, Managing Director, Idea Cellular.

Idea customers with 4G devices in these 75 towns can now start experiencing superfast speeds by simply upgrading their existing SIM cards to new 4G SIM cards. The company is also offeringattractive subscription plans to digital content including a wide range of the latest Music, Movies and Games. Idea has also partnered with leading handset manufacturers and e-commerce retailers for special data bundling offers on new 4G smartphones.

“Idea is proactively working on creating an ecosystem which will enable India to transition to the exciting new digital world. Our wide range of attractive bundled 4G smartphone offers, rich digital content and consumer friendly plans will enable all customers to experience Idea’s latest world class 4G services,” said Sashi Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer, Idea Cellular.

The comapny has received over a million 4G services requests from existing customers on its Pre-book offer.