Testing Vodafone's & Airtel's 4G services in Mumbai highlighted former's relatively slower speeds (slightly faster than 3G but much slower than Airtel's 4G), which is due to it using a lesser spectrum quantity.
While the test confirmed a need for a lower spectrum band for an efficient coverage, it also highlighted that a sizable spectrum is needed to differentiate in terms of user experience. Airtel has the best 4G spectrum portfolio amongst incumbents; best placed to counter Jio
Airtel is using 1x20MHz in the 2300MHz band. Voda does not have 2300MHz but holds 2x8.2MHz in the 1800MHz band. It is using part of this (needs to set aside at least 5MHz) for 4G services. Airtel?s larger 4G spectrum allotment appears to be helping it to provide higher data speeds. Speed tests undertaken across multiple days and times show that Voda?s 4G speed is generally between 5-10mbps (goes up to 15mbps, vs its 3G speed of 2-5mbps). Airtel, on the other hand, has 4G speed of 25-30mbps (can reach 50mbps sometimes).
Telcos would offer broadly similar speeds on 3G v/s 4G if they use a limited spectrum amount. However, for higher speeds (to differentiate on user experience) sizable spectrum is needed. While incumbents do have a reasonable spectrum allotment in 1800MHz,
some of it is being used for 2G, leaving limited amount for 4G.
