Vodafone India Buys Spectrum For GBP 1.9 Bln - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Vodafone India, a 2G and 3G operator, has been granted licences in 11 telecom circles in the Indian government's 900 MHz and 1800 MHZ spectrum auction, to provide enhanced mobile voice and data services for cutomers. Vodafone India purchased a total of 23MHz in the 900MHz band in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata and 49MHZ in the 1800MHz band in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat, UP East, Rajasthan, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh and Punjab.

Vodafone's investment totaled 19,645 crores indian rupees, or 1.9 billion pounds, of which 5,600 crores rupees or 540 million pounds is payable in fiscal 2013/2014 with the balance payable in instalments starting in 2017.

Vodafone India has established a strong platform for 4G data services by buying 1800MHz spectrum in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Karnataka and Kerala, accounting for over 50% of data revenues and are likely to drive the adoption of 4G as was the case after the introduction of 3G services in 2010. Also, it has maintained its overall holdings of 900 MHz spectrum in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, and bought 1800 MHz spectrum in four circles where its licences are due for extension in 2015.

The company's Indian arm has over 160 million customers, with the number of mobile internet users rising 38% to 45.7 million in its most recent quarter.