Jio ahead in network coverage but trails in 4G speed to Airtel: Report

Lag in terms of 4G speed was due to high load on the network during its free offer period

Reliance Jio network coverage is significantly ahead of the other operators but the newcomer trails behind Airtel in terms of offering 4G speed given the high load on its network during the free offer period, says a report by Credit Suisse.

"Our conclusion is that Jio's network coverage is significantly ahead of the other operators. Jio has good coverage in 80 per cent plus of cities surveyed, compared to less than 30 per cent for the others. The difference is even more stark when compared only with 4G networks of incumbents (sub-15 per cent of cities)," the latest report said.

However, the newcomer did not fare as well when it came to speeds - the survey concluded that Airtel offered the best 4G speed, while Jio was "probably bogged down by load".

"We also studied the network speed results across all these locations. Airtel 4G offers the best download speeds in general (12Mbps plus). Jio, Vodafone and Idea are close to each other (7-8Mbps). We suspect Jio's speeds are impacted by the high load on the network in the free offer period," Credit Suisse said.

Jio carries 90 per cent plus of all data traffic in the country currently while its network capacity share is closer to 35 per cent, it added.

The competitive pressure is expected to sustain, the report said adding that significant pressure on fundamentals will continue in the coming quarters from Jio.

"We have already started seeing the impact of Jio on the incumbents' numbers (Bharti 3Q). Our study here shows Jio has built a significant lead in terms of network coverage, and the incumbents have a fair amount of catch-up to do (especially on 4G). Importantly, going by recently announced enhanced capex plans, the company continues to invest," it added.

The study covers over 30 Indian cities that represent a "significant chunk of current data demand and revenues", it said.