Idea wins 2100 MHz spectrum in Kolkata

"Idea’s successful bid has helped it retain its spectrum in the 900 MHz band ensuring business continuity and customer service for over 106 million subscribers in these nine markets and related benefit for Idea’s overall subscriber base of over 155 million," the company said in a statement.

In this Spectrum Auction, Idea has also acquired additional spectrum in the 1800 MHz band in six key Service Areas, 2100 MHz in the strategic metro market of Kolkata, and additional 5 MHz on 900 MHz in Maharashtra for second carrier of 3G services.

This will enable Idea to further expand its 3G Services to 13 circles covering 80% of its overall revenue and enable 4G roll out on 1800 MHz in 10 Service Areas covering 61% of Idea’s gross revenue.

The 9 MHz spectrum won in Maharashtra will enable Idea to deploy 3G services on 900 MHz (in addition to the existing 2100 MHz band), at an opportune time. Idea will therefore have 3G networks of 900 MHz band in Maharashtra and Delhi, which as per the Q3FY15 TRAI data are No.1 and No. 3 markets in India.