Vodafone to invest over Rs 500 crore in Gujarat to expand 4G services

Vodafone India, the second largest mobile operator by subscriber base, today launched its 4G services in Surat with an array of data packs starting from Rs 8 for 30 MB, and said its 4G services will be rolled out across Gujarat in the next few months.

New Delhi, Sep 2: Vodafone India, the second largest mobile operator by subscriber base, today launched its 4G services in Surat with an array of data packs starting from Rs 8 for 30 MB, and said its 4G services will be rolled out across Gujarat in the next few months. Launching its 4G operations in Gujarat, Vodafone announced an array of data packs starting from as low as Rs 8 for 30 MB, free upgrade to 4G for customers along with high-speed 4G SIM, and double data – 20 GB at Rs 998. The launch comes a day after Reliance Jio, yesterday, shook the telecom sector with its disruptive offering of free voice calls for life, and data tariffs priced as low at one-tenth of the prevailing market rates. RJio’s tariffs will be effective starting January 1, 2017, after its free data and voice offering comes to an end on December 31, 2016.

RJio’s launch is widely expected to trigger a price war amongst incumbent operators like Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea, with market watchers expecting existing players to come out with sweeteners to woo and retain subscribers on their networks. “Customers buying greater than 1GB packs will get twice the data allowance and unlimited local Vodafone to Vodafone calls,” a Vodafone release said adding they can also enjoy 3-month access to free TV, movies and videos on Vodafone Play as part of 4G subscription. The company is touting its superior network (4G LTE network on 1800Mhz with extensive fibre backhaul), high speed downloads/uploads giving fast mobile internet experience, and experience of music, videos, chats, mobile gaming and two-way video calling with speedy response time.(ALSO READ: Reliance Jio needs 75-80 million users in 2-3 years to break even: Analysts)

The company is also promising immediate 4G SIM exchange at multiple touch points with even door-step delivery of postpaid 4G SIMs. The launch in Gujarat follows the commencement of its 4G services in Kerala, Karnataka, Kolkata, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Haryana and UP East. Sunil Sood, Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone India said, “4G has the potential to revolutionise the mobile experience through powerful innovation that impacts how we work and live.” Vodafone 4G services will soon also be available in West Bengal and in 1,000 towns across the country by end of the year. The nine circles of Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Karnataka, Kerala, Haryana, Gujarat, UP (E) and West Bengal, together contribute to just under 70 per cent of Vodafone India’s data revenues, the statement added.