Vodafone launches 4G services in Mumbai

NEW DELHI: India’s second largest wireless operator by subscribers, Vodafone India has rolled out its next generation, high speed 4G network in country’s financial capital in Mumbai today.

The high speed 4G network available in prominent business and residential corridors of Mumbai across the Western Suburbs and South Mumbai in a phased manner. The roll-out will be completed across all parts of Mumbai including the Eastern suburbs & New Mumbai license areas by end March 2016.

Built on the efficient 1800 MHz band, this state-of-the-art network will enable Vodafone 4G customers to access internet via mobile with speeds across a range of smart devices including Mobile Wi-Fi & dongles. Vodafone 4G services can be readily accessed from 4G enabled handsets offered by leading smartphone manufacturers (iPhone, Samsung, Micromax, Microsoft, Lava and Xolo) available across the country.

Telco's 4G will significantly enhance the mobile internet experience for customers with faster download/upload of videos and music, seamless video chats and will also facilitate greater ease in using their favorite apps. Customers will also adore features like high definition video streaming, mobile gaming and two-way video calling.

The company’s 4G service in Mumbai is built on a strong fibre backhaul of 100G, and is supported by its superfast 3G services on a new and modern network. With this launch, Vodafone is now uniquely positioned to offer in Mumbai, 2G/3G/4G services on its own state of the art, convergent radio technology.

Leveraging its global network and experience, Vodafone is also the first and only telecom service provider to currently offer international roaming on 4G to its India customers visiting UK, Germany, Romania, Spain and Netherlands with many more countries to be launched in coming weeks.

“nitial response from customers who have experienced our 4G services in Kerala, Karnataka, Kolkata and Delhi & NCR has been positive and encouraging. As a steadfast partner of Digital India, we remain focused on deploying multiple technologies –be it 2G, 3G and now 4G-for optimum use as each technology has its own vital role to play in servicing the myriad connectivity needs of consumers across the country," said Sunil Sood, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Vodafone India.
Completing the first phase of its 4G roll-out, Vodafone will be launching its services in Bengaluru on Feb 11, 2016. With this, Vodafone 4G services will be present in 5 circles of Kerala, Karnataka, Mumbai, Delhi & NCR and Kolkata, which today contribute to 30% of industry revenues and close to 50% of Vodafone India data revenues.

“Mumbai is a strong leadership market for Vodafone India with data contributing around 30% of total revenues. As the leading telecom service provider, our close to 9 million customers in Mumbai have a lot to look forward to and we are proud and delighted to launch 4G services in Mumbai,"  said Ishmeet Singh, Business Head–Mumbai Circle, Vodafone India.

"Beginning with key business and residential corridors across the Western suburbs and South Mumbai, we will soon expand our 4G services across the length and breadth of Mumbai in a phased manner by end March 2016. We will continue to pursue our customer centric strategy of catering to the evolving needs of retail and enterprise customers for better and smarter solutions for both voice and data. We invite our data savvy customers in Mumbai to make the most of the bonanza of special benefits being offered and enjoy the best mobile internet experience," said Singh.

A month ago, the company has announced the availability of 4G SIMs for its customers at all of its 56 exclusive stores located at prominent locations in and around Mumbai ahead of 4G launch in financial capital.

Last year, telecom firm had said that it will commence its 4G services in Mumbai by December 2015 and had invested over Rs 500 crores to modernize and upgrade existing network.