Telecom network operator Idea Cellular has started offering 4G LTE services in 75 towns of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.

Idea Cellular 4G coverage

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

Idea will launch 4G LTE services by March 2016 in other key markets namely, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Goa, Punjab, Haryana, North East and Orissa, in phases. By June 2016, Idea Cellular’s 4G footprint will cover 750 cities across 10 telecom circles.

Idea Cellular currently holds 1800 MHz 4G spectrum in 10 telecom circles. Idea will add Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh (West) circles after completing its deal with Videocon Telecom for acquiring Right to Use 1800 MHz spectrum under Spectrum Trading Agreement.

Bharti Airtel’s 4G LTE coverage reached more than 330 towns, while Vodafone 4G reached 10 towns in Kerala. Vodafone will have 4G presence in 5 telecom circles. Reliance Jio will be introducing 4G in phases in the second quarter of 2016.

Idea network for 4G

Currently, 1.8 million 4G devices in 4 southern circles (All India – 6 million) are registered on Idea’s network.

Idea Cellular has rolled out its FDD platform enabled 4G LTE services on the 1800 MHz frequency band.

The company claims that its 4G LTE network ensures fast return feature enabling seamless and quick toggle for consumers across Idea’s 4G, 3G and 2G networks.

Idea Cellular will consider the deployment of VoLTE at a later stage.

Idea is deploying Single RAN equipment which supports multiple technologies in a given frequency band. For every 4G site on 1800 MHz, this equipment also provides additional 2G voice capacity on GSM spectrum.

Idea Cellular’s Capex guidance for fiscal 2016 is Rs 6,500 crore. Idea plans to add 40,000 – 45,000 sites on 2G, 3G and 4G technology platforms, cumulative roll out of 111,000 kms of fiber during the current fiscal.

Globally 4G subscriptions will be crossing 1 billion mark.

“The launch of Idea 4G 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.

How Idea is promoting 4G

Idea has received over a million 4G services requests from existing customers on its pre-book offer.

Idea Cellular is offering complimentary 4G SIM card upgrade to all its 170 million customers at its company showrooms and retail outlets across 750 towns.

Existing customers in key non-4G towns will be able to enjoy Idea’s 4G services while roaming in these 4G towns by upgrading to 4G SIM cards from 15 February 2016.

The company is offering 4G trial packs starting at Rs 29.

Prepaid or Postpaid customers buying new 4G smartphones before 31 March 2016 are being offered special Double Data benefit on all 1 GB and above packs.

Idea has tied-up with Hungama Digital to offer music content at a monthly subscription price of Rs 99. Under a special offer, new 4G subscribers can subscribe to this content at Rs 29 per month till 31 March 2016.

Idea is offering movies and short format videos in partnership with EROS at a monthly subscription price of Rs. 49 for all its consumers. For new 4G customers, a special offer for subscription at Rs 29 per month till 31 March 2016 is available.

Idea will be launching Idea Games Club powered by Opera for all its consumers from 1 February 2016, at a monthly subscription price of Rs 150. New 4G subscribers will be able to subscribe to this content at Rs 29 per month till 31 March 2016 under a special offer.

Idea Cellular’s Ultimate 999 Postpaid and Ultimate 1098 Prepaid plan offer unlimited Idea to Idea local calls, 3 GB of data and Music and Movies subscription.

The company’s Ultimate 1499 Postpaid and Ultimate 1749 Prepaid plan offer unlimited Local voice calls, along with 5 GB Data and Music and Movies subscription.

Idea Cellular’s Ultimate 2999 Postpaid and Ultimate 3249 Prepaid plan offer unlimited National, Local and Roaming voice calls with 15 GB Data and Music and Movies subscription.

Idea has branded 4G devices such as Idea 4G Dongles, 4G Mi-Fi that connects 10 users and Home Wi-Fi that connects 32 users. The price is Rs 2,599 onwards with attractive 4G data offers.

Idea has also tied up with smartphone manufacturers including Intex Technologies, Lava, Lenovo and Xolo to offer bundled 4G data plans on smartphones.

Baburajan K
[email protected]