Vodafone launches 4G services in Bengaluru, invests Rs. 725 crore in Karnataka

NEW DELHI: Country’s second largest wireless operator by subscribers, Vodafone India has rolled out its next generation, high speed 4G network in prominent business and residential corridors of Bengaluru like Jayanagar, Basavangudi, J.P.Nagar, Electronic City, Bangalore International Airport, Whitefield, B.T.M. Layout, Chamrajpet and Koramangala.

The roll-out will be completed across all parts of Bengaluru in a phased manner by March 2016. The launch in Bengaluru marks the successful completion of first phase of roll out of Vodafone 4G services in Kerala, Karnataka, Kolkata, Delhi and NCR and Mumbai.

Built on the efficient 1800 MHz band, this state-of-the-art network will enable Vodafone 4G customers to access internet via mobile with speeds across a range of smart devices including Mobile Wi-Fi. Vodafone 4G services can be readily accessed from 4G enabled handsets offered by leading smartphone manufacturers (iPhone, Samsung, Micromax, Microsoft, Lava, Xolo among others) available across the country.

Telco 4G will significantly enhance the mobile internet experience for customers with faster download/upload of videos and music, seamless video chats to enjoy and greater ease in using their favorite apps. Customers will also adore features like high definition video streaming, mobile gaming and two-way video calling.

The company’s 4G service in Bengaluru is built on a strong fibre backhaul, and is supported by its superfast 3.5G services. With this launch, Vodafone is now uniquely positioned to offer in Bengaluru, 2G/3G/4G services on its own state of the art, convergent radio technology.

Leveraging its global network and experience, Vodafone is also the first and only telecom service provider to currently offer international roaming on 4G to its India customers visiting UK, Germany, Romania, Spain and Netherlands with many more countries to be launched in coming weeks.

, “We are delighted to launch our high-speed 4G services in Bengaluru for our customers to experience the most advanced wireless broadband experience available across the globe today. With this, we complete the first phase of roll-out of our 4G services across Kerala, Karnataka, Kolkata, Delhi & NCR and Mumbai. Initial response from customers who have experienced our 4G services in these markets has been positive and encouraging. 4G has the potential to revolutionize the mobile experience through powerful innovation that impacts how we work and live," said  Sunil Sood, Managing Director & CEO, Vodafone India.

"Vodafone’s global expertise and experience of launching 4G across 19 countries gives us a better understanding of this technology and the needs of the 4G customer. As a steadfast partner of Digital India, we remain focused on deploying multiple technologies –be it 2G, 3G and now 4G-for optimum use as each technology has its own vital role to play in servicing the myriad connectivity needs of consumers across the country," he added.

With launch of 4G in Bengaluru, Vodafone 4G services will be present in 5 circles of Kerala, Karnataka, Mumbai, Delhi & NCR and Kolkata, which today contribute to 30% of industry revenues and close to 50% of Vodafone India data revenues.

“We are one of the leading telecommunication services provider in Karnataka and our over 26 lakh customers in Bengaluru have a lot to look forward to. After having successfully launched our 4G services in Mysuru, we are proud and delighted to launch 4G services on the superior 1800 MHz band in the State capital. Beginning with key business and residential corridors in Bengaluru, which constitute more than 46% of our data users in Karnataka, we will soon expand our 4G services across the length and breadth of city in a phased manner by March 2016," said Speaking on the 4G proposition for Bengaluru, Suresh Kumar, Operations Director –South, Vodafone India.

"The roll-out of our 4G services in Karnataka will continue to Mangalore, Hubli and over 50+ towns in a phased manner. We will continue to pursue our customer centric strategy of catering to the evolving needs of retail and enterprise customers for better and smarter solutions for both voice and data. We invite our data savvy customers in Bengaluru to make the most of the bonanza of special benefits and enjoy the best mobile internet experience,” he added.

Karnataka is a focus and significant growth market for Vodafone India. To cater to the growing volumes of customer usage increasing need for speed, the company invested over Rs. 725 crore in the past 18 months to expand, modernize and building a more technology and energy efficient network. With one of the largest retail footprints in Karnataka of 271 exclusive retail stores and 652 Rural Mini Stores, Vodafone’s products and services are easily available across all parts of the state.