Voda Idea: Surrendered fractional spectrum which can’t be used for new tech

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Vodafone Idea (Vi) has surrendered fractional spectrum in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands in select circles as the airwaves were incompatible with its latest network technology.

"VIL has opted for extension of required spectrum in both Uttar Pradesh (West) and West Bengal circles, releasing only the fractional spectrum that cannot be used with the newer technology and as such not currently required," a Vi spokesperson said.

The spectrum was up for renewal this year.

Separately, in an investor presentation, VIL said it has completed the minimum roll out requirement for 5G services in 4 telecom circles, and the company has a target to cover 40 per cent of revenues population coverage with 5G in the first 24-30 months.

Vodafone Idea (Vi) plans to launch 5G services within 6-7 months, post-funding, by when it also expects to have more clarity around monetisation of the next-gen mobile broadband service, company chief executive Akshaya Moondra had said.

The cash-strapped telco plans to fully switch off its 3G network in FY25 and refarm its airwaves in the 2100 MHz band for 4G, which would boost overall network capacity, Moondra said at Vi’s fiscal third quarter earnings call on Tuesday.

The company has already shut down 3G services in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Mumbai and Kolkata in the fiscal third quarter, and will phase out the service in other circles amid falling 3G devices on its network.