After the successful integration of 850 MHz spectrum in nine circles, Reliance Jio is now allowing their customers to use the new LTE band 5 networks. RCom uses CDMA airwaves for the purpose. According to the spectrum sharing deal between RCom and Jio, RCom has already shared the CDMA spectrum in locations such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, UP East, UP West and Madhya Pradesh.
Jio can deploy a network to fill their blank pockets of 4G network. Although the deal says that both the parties can use the network, RCom customers are not getting access to Jio 4G's premium band 5, which is significant to the operator to provide a better coverage and network reach capacity.
One of the key reasons behind Jio's commercial launch delay was that they weren't able to achieve the network coverage target and good indoor penetration due to 2300 MHz band. While 1800 MHz band helped them in few terms, in the real scenario, the coverage was still weak in many areas.
According to sources, the company has successfully completed integrating the 850 MHz airwaves in those circles and customers on Jio network are getting the signal when they are facing coverage issues on 2300 MHz or on Band 40 LTE network.
In a trial by TelecomTalk, we found that the 850 MHz band signal is live in Kolkata and when a Jio subscriber falls under lower coverage, the network automatically shifts to 1800 MHz or 850 MHz. However, speed wasn’t impressive to the extent, perhaps because they are using less amount of airwaves to improve the coverage issue.
In the two-day test, we could achieve a speed of 3-7 Mbps (download) across major parts of Kolkata. The network was stable and hasn’t faced zero network issue ever in this testing.
Additionally, our readers have also confirmed that they are getting band 5 signal of their Jio SIM in the above-mentioned circles, which improved their overall experience regarding indoor coverage.
Although there is no official confirmation available from the company, few engineers who wish to remain discreet has said that there is a progress on their network front and said the company is tracking their coverage in key rural and busy areas, where they had been coverage issues.
The screenshot in above will show the indication that all the three bands were present and automatically shifted to lower bands (1800 MHz/850 Mhz), when Jio's prime signal on 2300 MHz band was weak. This can change based on terms such as the site location, availability of lower bands in that area and weak signal issue. You can also check your network band through Jio's NetVelocity app.
Though it's unclear of whether RCom 4G customers can ride on all three bands or only on 850 MHz band (the network isn't allowing RCom 4G customers to ride on Jio's network), we expect that this might happen.
Readers are welcome to share your experience with Jio, especially on how your 850 MHz band improved the 4G experience in indoor despite low coverage of 2300 MHz via comments.
