Idea expands 4G network in Maharashtra; launches services in Pune, Nashik

Idea Cellular, the largest mobile operator in Maharashtra and Goa has rapidly expanded 4G network in the circle, covering one-third of its population with high-speed wireless broadband services. Idea started offering 4G services in the region earlier this year, and has progressively rolled out the network to cover 430 towns with a population of 3.3 crore customers.

The company has now launched 4G services in the biggest cities of Pune and Nashik within a record time of just 45 days of spectrum allocation by DoT.

The key towns of Pune and Nashik will now experience Idea's world-class 4G services, in addition to the existing towns of Amravati, Aurangabad, Gondia, Kolhapur, Nagpur, Alibagh, Wardha, Jalna, Vasco, Panjim, Margoa.

Continuing to invest in its largest market, Idea Cellular has recently acquired a large quantum of spectrum in both FDD and TDD bands to expand its wireless broadband footprint in Maharashtra and Goa. The company has also invested in setting up network infrastructure and laying and maintaining Optical Fibre Cable in the region.

Idea has a strong spectrum portfolio in the circle, comprising of 900, 1800, 2100, 2300 and 2500 MHz bands. It offers 4G services on 1800 MHz and will utilize the TDD bands to expand wireless broadband services in future. It has recently expanded its 3G services utilizing the efficient 900 MHz band.

"Idea has successfully transitioned to become a pan-India wireless broadband service provider, readying our over 186 million customers for the Digital age. With nearly 900 MHz spectrum in both FDD and TDD bands, Idea is preparing itself to substantially enhance customer's Wireless Data experience and capture a higher share of the exponentially growing Mobile Data business. As the oldest and largest mobile operator in Maharashtra and Goa, Idea continues to invest in the market and lead the digital experience for our customers," said Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Idea Cellular, Rajat Mukarji.

"With 33.9 percent RMS and 2.5 crore active customers, Idea is the largest mobile operator in Maharashtra and Goa. Our consistent focus on achieving customer delight and continued investment in the circle has led us to set up the largest network comprising of over 27,000 cell sites, more than 50 percent of which is for wireless broadband services. With a wide range of affordable data packs and a strong content portfolio, we will continue to bring rich digital content such as Movies, Music, TV, Games, News, etc. for our customers in the region," said Chief Operating Officer Maharashtra and Goa Idea Cellular, Rajendra Chourasia.

With the expansion of 4G services, Idea has also introduced a range of attractive data packs starting at Rs. 47 along with a wide portfolio of digital content for the customers' infotainment needs. Idea has partnered with leading smartphone brands for attractive offers for its 4G customers.

Idea also has the largest retail and distribution network in the circle with over 1453 service centers and 13 retail stores.