Vodafone India invests $1 billion in network upgrade
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Vodafone India invests $1 billion in network upgrade

Vodafone India is reportedly pumping $1 billion into upgrading its network, ahead of plans to run 4G LTE trials in 2015.

According to Bloomberg, the operator is upgrading its mobile network in a bid to compete more aggressively in the expected boom in 4G services across India, as both Reliance Industries and Reliance Communications plan to launch services next year.

Like many, Vodafone India CEO Marten Pieters recognises the potential for data services in the country, and in a recent interview, he said: “It’s all about data. That’s the most exciting thing we see.”

Vodafone India believes that laying new fibre to connect its base stations will drive this data demand, and within two years the company expects to have 3G technology in every service area in India; double what it has now.

The company is thought to be using cash generated from Vodafone Group’s $130 billion sale of its stake in Verizon Wireless, but Vodafone India CEO Marten Pieters, said that the roll-out is being constrained by low-revenue limited-wireless spectrum, especially in large cities.

Bharti Airtel and Aircel are the only existing players offering 4G services in India.

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