6 October 2016
VODAFONE ACQUIRES SPECTRUM FOR HIGH SPEED 4G DATA SERVICES IN INDIA
Vodafone India has acquired spectrum in all its key telecom circles in the spectrum auction for a total cost of INR 202.8 billion (€2.74 billion). The new spectrum significantly enhances the coverage, capacity and speed of Vodafone India's 4G data services in its key circles, complementing existing high-quality 2G and 3G voice and data capabilities.
Vodafone India acquired a total of 2 x 82.6 MHz FDD and 200 MHz TDD spectrum in the auction, providing high-capacity, multi-band 4G capability operating across the 1800, 2100 and 2500 MHz bands.
Vodafone India now has 17 circles with 4G capability, covering 91% of the company's total revenues and 94% of mobile data revenues.
Vodafone's investment totals INR 202.8 billion (€2.74 billion) of which INR 101.4 billion (€1.36 billion) is payable up-front. The spectrum acquired has a 20-year term.
Vodafone India has the largest voice and data traffic usage within the Vodafone Group and has more than 200 million customers. At 30 June 2016, Vodafone India had 69.7 million data users, of which 32.3 million use 3G/4G.
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About Vodafone Group
Vodafone is one of the world's largest telecommunications companies and provides a range of services including voice, messaging, data and fixed communications. Vodafone has mobile operations in 26 countries, partners with mobile networks in 51 more, and fixed broadband operations in 17 markets. As of 30 June 2016, Vodafone had 465 million mobile customers and 13.7 million fixed broadband customers. For more information, please visit: www.vodafone.com.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
Exchange rate €1.00: INR 74.54
Prior auctions
In March 2015, Vodafone India acquired 78.4 MHz of spectrum in 12 telecom circles with a 20-year term, comprising:
· 42.8 MHz in the 900 MHz band in Gujarat, Haryana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh (East) and West Bengal;
· 5.6 MHz in the 1800MHz band in Gujarat, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh (East); and
· 30.0 MHz in the 2100MHz band in Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, North East, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh (West).
In February 2014, Vodafone India also acquired spectrum in 11 telecom circles with a 20 year term comprising:
· 23 MHz in the 900 MHz band in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata; and
· 49 MHz in the 1800 MHz band in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat, UP East, Rajasthan, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh and Punjab.
