Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL), the third-largest telecom operator in the country, now has access to a contiguous block of spectrum in the 2500 MHz band. Much recently, the Department of Space (DoS) has released 20 MHz of spectrum in the 2500 MHz band worth Rs 11,000 crore for mobility use. This is a great development for Vi, as it is the only private telecom operator in the country that is offering 4G in the 2500 MHz band. The development was first reported by ET Telecom.
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The telco's spectrum was fragmented into two non-contiguous blocks until now. However, with DoS releasing additional spectrum, the telco now has access to harmonised spectrum. Vi had one block of 20 MHz and one of 10 MHz in the band. In the 2500 MHz band, only 40 MHz was available for mobile services, that too in two blocks of 20 MHz. Now, it has increased to 60 MHz, and Vi can utilise the 40 MHz contiguous spectrum in the band.
The report said that Vi's spectrum has been harmonised in a manner where the telco can get the entire 30 MHz as contiguous spectrum across the country to offer 4G services. This should improve the network capacity of Vi's 4G. Vi has also acquired the 900 MHz band and is currently deploying it in many circles of the nation. That should take care of the indoor coverage experience for the users.
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This means that in the near future, Vi 4G customers should see an enhanced network experience both in terms of capacity and coverage. Whether this will have a positive effect on its user base remains to be seen. It is also worth noting that telcos have demanded spectrum in the 6 GHz band for mobility use for deploying 5G and 6G in the future.
