Telecommunications and Network Gear Industry channel checks suggest that Reliance Jio Infocomm has completed ~11,000 base station installations nationwide and is possibly targeting 30,000-45,000 base stations by launch. We expect this target to be met by Dec-14 coinciding with the Founder Birth Anniversary on Dec-28, 2014. Rollout is progressing at a pace of 2,500- 3,000 base stations per month (with the monthly pace accelerating). The launch could happen with 30,000-45,000 sites, with rollout obviously continuing post launch. More Importantly, the rollout is well spread out across the country and not concentrated in just the top metros.
Reliance Jio Dual Mode LTE network
Reliance Jio’s base stations currently are on the 2300MHz TD-LTE configuration, we believe these are multi-mode equipment easily upgradeable to FDD-LTE 1800MHz capability also. It thus appears RJio is going with a full LTE network after all, with voice being offered on FDD-1800 VoLTE. Thus, 1800 FDD-LTE will be the coverage network (on which voice will be offered) with 2300 TD-LTE being used as capacity network for high speed data. The 30,000-45,000 sites could serve as two parallel networks on a combined spectrum of 2x5MHz on 1800 MHz band and 1x20MHz on 2300 MHz band.
Reliance Jio – Samsung Mobile Handsets
Our channel checks suggest that the companies have completed trials on Galaxy S4/S4 mini (including VoLTE), and are working towards having a range of handsets starting at US$150 by the time of launch. It is possible that in coming months, other handset makers (particularly in the lower end) could also get involved in bringing out lower-cost LTE smartphones.
The organisation is gearing up for the network rollout and launch, with all 22 circle offices already in place with their own CTOs.
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