Reliance Jio signs MSA with GTLInfra for tower sharing
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Reliance Jio signs MSA with GTLInfra for tower sharing

Reliance Jio Infocomm has signed a master services agreement for tower infrastructure sharing with Indian infrastructure firm GTL Infrastructure (GTLInfra).

GTLInfra has a combined tower portfolio of 27,800 towers spread across the 22 telecom circles in India and already has partnerships with several of Jio’s rivals.

Commenting on the tie up, Charudatta Naik, Group CEO, Global Group said “We are happy to be partnering with a leading 4G player like Reliance Jio. The launch of 4G networks and the rise in the consumption of data services is a growth driver for tower companies, and we at GTLInfra are geared up to capture the opportunity. Our portfolio will play an important role in rolling out broadband networks especially in regions like North East, and South where we hold a leadership position.”

Jio’s services went live on Monday 5 September, offering free voice calls and among the world’s lowest data costs. It is part of a $20 billion investment by Reliance Industries in a new nationwide 4G network.

In April 2014, it signed an agreement with independent telecoms tower firm ATC India to share infrastructure in the country. Overall, Jio set out plans to lease around 70,000 towers and build 30,000 of its own across India.

The deal will help Jio “accelerate” its rollout following the launch of its 4G service in the country earlier this month, according to managing director Sanjay Mashruwala.

“Our mission is to launch a pan India next-generation voice and data services,” he added. “We will build the same through a judicious combination of own build and rented infrastructure. This agreement with GTL Infra is not only a step in that direction but will also help us accelerate our roll out.”



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