Reliance Communications unveils large-scale network expansion plan

INDIA: Reliance Communications, India’s fully integrated telecommunications service provider, announced ambitious plans to expand its pan-India network significantly through strategic 2G GSM intra-circle roaming agreements with existing operators, offering its customers wider coverage and uninterrupted service across the country. Once in place, RCOM’s 2G GSM customers will be able to roam seamlessly on all partner networks, free of any additional cost.

These ICR agreements will increase RCOM’s national 2G GSM network footprint by 10,000 base stations and bring in an addressable market of over 150 million customers, adding up to a market opportunity of over Rs 10,000 crore. All agreements with existing telecom operators are likely to be completed by the end of the second quarter of the ongoing financial year.

The innovative 2G GSM ICR arrangements with various other operators will see a fast-paced expansion of RCOM’s GSM network footprint at no extra cost, optimize Capex and Opex spends and allow the company’s customers a seamless roaming experience on partner networks. In addition, increased capacities will significantly improve both outdoor and in-building coverage, providing RCOM customers with an enriched mobility and data experience.

The first such arrangement with Aircel offers RCOM customers seamless mobility and a wider footprint, while providing an impetus to the Company’s yields, both in terms of revenue market share and customer market share. The strategic alliance will energize RCOM’s already extensive GSM network footprint in the country, significantly boosting the company’s addressable market.

To begin with, the two companies will offer the 2G ICR advantage to its customers in some key circles, with the agreement being periodically expanded, thereby taking this progressive offering to customers on a pan-India basis.