Idea Cellular in a Closed Call to Top Analysts revealed yesterday that the
company will launch 4G LTE Services in Q1-2016.
Idea would launch 4G in 10 circles in early 2016. In these ten circles, 750 towns would have competitive coverage by 1H2016.
Out of the 10 4G circles, Idea has own 3G in 6 (including two where there are two 3G carriers, AP, Haryana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, MP). In these circles, Idea would have unbroken coverage. In these markets (53% of Idea?s revenue and much higher Ebitda contribution), Idea has more spectrum (including own 3G and 4G) than any other telco and the quality of holding is also superior. Current spectrum holding is adequate in these six circles.
In the remaining eight markets where Idea does not have 4G (but others have) ? it will either have own 3G or 3G ICR. Gujarat is the
only established circle where Idea does not have 1800 4G.
