Telecom operator Idea Cellular has expanded its 4G services to 39 towns in Karnataka, including Mysore, Madikeri, Karwar, Belgaum, covering 20% of the total population of the state. In addition to Bangalore metro, Idea has launched its 4G LTE services in other towns of Channarayapatna, Udyavara (CT), Harihar, Kunigal, Mulbagal, and Toranagal. Now, it plans to launch its 4G services in Mangalore, Udupi-Manipal, Bijapur, Bellary and 18 more towns by the end of this financial year, taking the total tally to 61, a release said.
In December 2015, Idea Cellular had launched 4G LTE services in all four telecom circles of South India-- Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, and Karnataka. Earlier this month, the company launched services across three more circles (four Indian states) – Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Punjab, expanding its 4G LTE service footprint to seven telecom service areas.
Ambrish Jain, Deputy Managing Director, Idea Cellular, said, “Since last week of December 2015, Idea has rapidly rolled out its high-speed 4G LTE network to cover seven major markets in India. By March 2016, our services will extend to three more key markets namely, Maharashtra & Goa, North East and Orissa, and by June 2016, Idea’s 4G footprint will cover 750 cities across 10 telecom circles.”
Idea Cellular 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. Post completion of this transaction, 4G services will be extended to 12 service areas, covering 75% of Idea’s revenue base in the country.
Sashi Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer, Idea Cellular, “Idea customers with 4G devices in these 183 towns can now start experiencing superfast speeds by simply upgrading their existing SIM cards to new 4G SIM cards. The company is also offering attractive 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.”
