Vodafone launches 4G services in Delhi-NCR

New Delhi, Feb 3: Vodafone India on Wednesday launched its high-speed 4G services in Gurgaon and will cover the entire Delhi-NCR region in a phased manner.

Vodafone has become the second operator to roll out 4G services in the NCR region. Bharti Airtel already offers such services in Delhi-NCR region. Although the company did not share the number of 4G sites, but said in the current financial year till December, it has invested over Rs 800 crore in Delhi-NCR on infrastructure.

Huawei is the 4G network provider for Vodafone in the region. The 4G rollout across Delhi is likely to be completed by mid-year though the company did not disclose the exact timeline.

Vodafone has also launched 4G services in Kerala, Karnataka and Kolkata. Vodafone India had acquired 4G (LTE) spectrum in 5 circles Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Kerala and Karnataka in February 2014 auctions.

These circles together contribute close to 50 per cent of the total data revenues for the firm. Asked if Vodafone will be looking at spectrum trading and sharing to increase its 4G footprint, Chief Operating Officer of the company Naveen Chopra said currently the plan is to focus on the five circles.

Vodafone said its 4G service is built on a strong fibre backhaul and it is positioned to offer 2G/3G/4G services on its own network.

"Initial response from customers who have experienced our 4G services in Kerala, Karnataka, and Kolkata has been positive and encouraging," Chopra said.

Vodafone will increase the intensity of its 4G rollout to cover important metros Mumbai and Bengaluru shortly and testing in these locations has already commenced.

PTI