Reliance Jio - Pan India 4G / LTE network

[swapnil05in 2]

are these just statements ?

just wait & watch..................................

[vikasmahajanz 33]

In my opinion he should buy Reliance GSM and make it more strength full

[raccoon 53]

For sure! I'd expect MDA to do a much better job than the mess ADA has made of RCom.... esp. the GSM wing.

[Greatest 55]

^^^ its gonna happen sooner than later... just wait and watch.. RIL will own the GSM wing of Rcom, and slowly, Rcom CDMA will also come over to elder bro...

[pasumark 51]

^^^ its gonna happen sooner than later... just wait and watch.. RIL will own the GSM wing of Rcom, and slowly, Rcom CDMA will also come over to elder bro...

Waiting for that to happen

[vikasmahajanz 33]

So Big Brother Mukesh Ambani has bought Infotel Broadband finally.

Mukesh Ambani back in telecom with a bang

Mukesh Ambani is back in telecom, and with a bang. Buying up Infotel Broadband, which bid the most in the broadband wireless access (BWA) spectrum auctions and secured 20 MHz of spectrum in every single one of India's 22 telecom circle, RIL now controls more spectrum than any of the established telecom players, and will pay, per MHz of spectrum, one fifth of what 3G bidders have. 20 MHz at one go is what is needed for efficient network planning as well.

True, Infotel would be offering high-speed data services, and not specifically voice services. Does this mean that it would not offer voice?

In a technologically advanced communication network, all information is first broken up into a large number of discrete packets, which then are transmitted over the network according to protocols together called an internet protocol (IP) suite.

At the receiver's end, these packets of information are put together in the right order, to reproduce the original information. In an all-IP network of the kind being planned by Infotel, it doesn't matter what that information is.

It could be video, text, music or, of course, voice. Voice is a subset of the communication services that can be rendered by a high-speed data network.

Source : http://economictimes...how/6039071.cms

Also check the Dainik Bhaskar News attached :

Edited June 12, 2010 by vikasmahajanz

[Arun 795]

Mukesh plans $5 billion telecom revolution 2.0 - RIL, RCom working on partnership blueprint

Business Standard - Mumbai June 14, 2010, 0:09 IST

Scale matters. Especially when one is talking about Mukesh Ambani and his flagship Reliance Industries (RIL).

Telecom will be no exception, as RIL’s top executive Manoj Modi and chief financial officer Alok Agarwal told analysts on Saturday that their total investment, including the acquisition of 95 per cent of Infotel Broadband, would come to around Rs 22,000 crore. The initial capital expenditure on physical infrastructure for rolling out broadband services will be over Rs 4,500 crore, the executives added. RIL will also pay Rs 12,872 crore to the government as licence fee for spectrum bagged by Infotel, which will now become a RIL subsidiary.

Modi also said “RIL will not be acquiring any 2G (second generation) player,” putting to rest market speculation that it is eyeing Venugopal Dhoot’s telecom venture Videocon Telecom.

Mukesh Ambani But for the first time, RIL executives publicly admitted that they are open to sharing infrastructure with Anil Ambani’s Reliance Communication (RCom). RCom had expressed similar sentiments while welcoming RIL's re-entry into telecom on Friday.

In less than a fortnight of agreeing on a truce by scrapping most non compete agreements and giving each other business flexibility, hostility is history. For Mukesh and Anil Ambani and their business empires, this seems to be the era of partnerships.

The intention to explore possible areas of partnerships is no longer theoretical. There is clear action on the ground.

According to investment bankers privy to these developments, both sides have deputed senior representatives to take the issue forward in a more concrete way. And quickly.

Manoj Modi, a director in Reliance Retail, has been given the mandate to lead the dialogue on behalf of RIL. For Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) which, ever since the 2006 demerger, runs RCom, the talks will be spearheaded by Satish Seth, group managing director of ADAG, said these bankers.

Both Modi and Seth are key lieutenants of the two Ambani brothers, Mukesh and Anil, respectively and have worked together very closely on a number of projects, especially Reliance Infocomm in the late 1990’s. Modi also leads all new RIL initiatives and Seth is still hands on when it comes to overseeing Anil’s telecom, infrastructure and power verticals.

“It would be logical to assume that both Modi and Seth have been regularly in touch for the last one week or so, as the broadband wireless access (BWA) auctions gathered momentum,” said one of the bankers.

The very fact that RCom withdrew from the auctions mid way, but announced its move after the auction process actually closed is a clear indication that both sides were working in perfect sync, the bankers added.

Even though no executive from the two groups will confirm, Reliance watchers said, such synchronized moves probably point to the fact that both groups shared strategic inputs and information, like bid strategy and even the acquisition of Infotel Broadband.

To begin with, the possible partnership will be based on two main areas of infrastructure sharing in the form of fibre optic cables and towers to save costs and time. RCom inherited its pan India fibre optic base and towers from Infocomm, and has subsequently built on it. Today, it has close to 50,000 towers in its portfolio; around 190,000 kms of fibre optic connecting over 1 million buildings across 44 cities with over 1.4 million access lines, and nine data centres with data storage space of over 6.5 lakh sq ft. With such a backbone, its that much easier for them to offer IPTV or fixed broadband phones.

"Along with Mukesh Ambani, Manoj Modi and Satish Seth had been responsible for the national rollout of tower and fribre optic infrastructure, first as the combined Reliance Infocomm and then RCom, so there's a reason why these two are now once again leading the talks…they know the game inside out," said the bankers.

The fibre optic strength will be critical as RIL will be eyeing the lucrative data market that is growing 70 per cent every year.

Revenue wise, data currently generates only 11 per cent, thanks to mainly short message service (sms) while in developed markets that figure is almost 35 per cent. So the market potential is immense.

"Data is close to RIL's heart, that's their BWA objective. So think of applications like IPTV on that platform, which can handle both data and video to start with," said a telecom analyst from a foreign brokerage firm.

The option for RIL will be either to build that infrastructure or to lease. To build a national network from scratch at this point, RIL will have to pump in at least $10 billion. It will also take at least 4-5 years. Keeping in mind that RIL is aiming 100 million subscribers in five years and would like to become the cheapest service provider, the lease option is clearly the preferred route. That, said telecom analysts, will mean at least a $4 billion savings for a national level rollout for RIL.

For RCom, which is saddled with high debt and low average revenues per user (Arpu), getting RIL as a new tenant means additional revenues, savings in operating expenses in the form of tower, energy and operation and maintenance costs.

"Elder brother has wireless broadband, aggressive plans and a point to prove but no fibre optic or tower. The younger brother may have huge debt, but he has infrastructure, 3G and 2G spectrum and a CDMA technology. This is a perfect and logical environment for collaboration, a likely combo that can shake up any competitor today," said a banker.

Does that mean going forward it will be an exclusive arrangement between the two? Unlikely. Both parties are still in talks and a final plan is still being chalked out, but the tie-ups will happen as and when there is a strong business and commercial case.

Both Modi and Agarwal made it clear that infrastructure could be shared with any of the existing players.

They also said arrangements with existing players will also be made to ensure that even laptop and notepad users get total access to the entire service offerings. But RCom, with towers connected to the fibre optic network, will surely remain a strong contender.

"Increasingly, you will see RIL opt for technology off the shelf and marry some key strategic partners for infrastructure. They will unleash a new revolution. Mind you they have won nationwide 20 MHz spectrum at one third the value of 3G. That gives them tremendous cost and time advantage," said the national head of telecom practice at an international research firm.

Both RIL and RCom also said they are endorsing the same fourth generation radio technology: LTE or Long Term Evolution Technology, which is patented by Qualcomm and is aimed at providing better speed and capacity.

[vvinayakpai 26]

This looks like some kind of an internal adjustment to me.

The younger brother withdrawing from the auctions, elder brother acquiring pan India spectrum and in the end both of them trying to ink an infrastructure sharing deal which would definitely benefit both.

[Greatest 55]

^^^ Shareholders of RIL and Rcom, need to elaborate more on this... is there anyone holding shares of these two firms?? whats the change..?? how positive returns?? compare it with 2005/6 (when the groups split) and now (after they have planned to join again)...

I think they are increasing shareholder value, this way everyone wins... Shareholders, owners, government, and at the end, Customers...

Ek teer, Bahut saare nishaan... These two brothers have expanded the legacy of their Father... Kudos to them...

[kalpeshaparmar 66]

Mukesh plans $5 billion telecom revolution 2.0 - RIL, RCom working on partnership blueprint

Business Standard - Mumbai June 14, 2010, 0:09 IST

Modi also said “RIL will not be acquiring any 2G (second generation) player,” putting to rest market speculation that it is eyeing Venugopal Dhoot’s telecom venture Videocon Telecom.

As said they are not eyeing 2g mobile technology or any other acquisition....

May be RCom & RIL would merge(its my speculation only)...

[HetalDP 947]

Well 20 Mhz that to TDMA means you can Dynamically allocate more Time Slots to Mobile or Tower so making 95% Usage on either on Download Side or Upload Side. This TDMA future is Wow. in CDMA and OFDMA (LTE) Download is Capped at Download Frequency and and Upload to Uplaod Frquency

1. CDMA, OFDMA, WCDMA, HSDPA all are Frequency Duplex Means they Have Different Download and Upload Bandwidth.

2. TD-LTE uage Same 20 Mhz Sequential Band for Download as well as Upload so Dynamically it can Increase the Speed to Extreme Level as and when Required but more prone to Interference.

any way Compared to 5 + 5 Mhz of 3G 2100 mhz Spectrum 20 Sequencial Spectrum looks good for high Speed Broadband and Even a Topup Connection on Existing Mobile Phone

[ami1 237]

Have heard that RIL will soon be offering 4G VOIP handsets with flat monthly rates irrespective of data usage, as soon as they get DOT to remove voip restriction on terminating voip calls in normal phones/mobiles.

While their initial plan did not include partnering with rcom, they have now done that so as to be able to launch quickly by utilizing rcom backend and towers combined with some of their own infrastructure.

Other telcos (airtel/vodafone/etc) are obviously expected to object but one can bet that RIL will get its way and corner a huge market before others are able to respond. Just like they did while entering the mobile market through CDMA/WLL.

Interesting times ahead, it seems !

[kalpeshaparmar 66]

Here is the proof that they may patch up is that they are to burry all the feud....

Source

[kesav 127]

RIL subsidiary Infotel Broadband to offer 4G services

Reliance Industries Ltd’s (RIL)’s acquisition of Infotel Braodband is set to bring second phase of revolution in the sector. RIL group chairman Mukesh Ambani today said that the company will offer 4G services.

In its first AGM after acquisition of Infotel Braodband, Mukesh Ambani said that the company plans to set up a Wireless Innovation Center in Mumbai. “Such a platform is also aligned with India’s national priorities, by enabling national transformation and “digital inclusion” of its people,” said Ambani.

In the AGM, he also disclosed his strategy. “To build this wireless digital distribution platform, we plan to follow an asset light, but partnership-heavy approach.”

“We will collaborate with strategic partners, such as service providers, infrastructure providers, device manufacturers and other participants in the ecosystem.”

“This platform will be at the core of an Infocomm eco-system where content creators, application developers and global technology players can come together to deliver unparalleled customer value and experience.”

Mukesh Ambani’s speech is set to alarm its competitors mainly Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea. It will be interesting to watch developments in Infotel Broadband.

Following is the relevant part of Mukesh Ambani’s speech in the AGM:

Spearheading the Knowledge Revolution Nearly a decade has passed since I first spoke to you about the phenomenal opportunity of bringing affordable and next generation

communication access to all Indians.

Much has changed in these eight years since Reliance first ventured into the Infocomm space with 2G CDMA based mobile services. From less than 5 million mobile users in 2001, India today has grown to nearly 600 million mobile users, and continues to add close to 20 million new customers every month.

India is now the second largest, and the fastest growing, telecom market in the world.

No doubt, this is a matter of great pride and optimism for all of us. Unfortunately, during these years India has not kept pace with the world in terms of more advanced communication technologies.

Today, India has less than 1% market penetration, compared to the developed nations which have over 60 % market penetration. Meanwhile, China has a rapidly growing market of over 130 million broadband users.

Global experience has shown us that broad-based and seamless access to information significantly accelerates countries’ economic growth.

The information revolution, powered by the Internet, has created a global expressway of content, information, knowledge and services.

Every aspect of our life is becoming ever more digital. The combination of increasingly powerful networks and intelligent devices, provide us with whole new ways to run our homes, communities, enterprises and our economy.

Broadband wireless technologies is at the heart of our search for competitive advantage and economic prosperity.

In my view, next generation technologies exist today that can link India to this digital expressway far more effectively than ever before. It is possible to pole-vault India from the prevailing 1G and 2G technologies to fourth generation technologies and beyond.

In this respect, we are faced with a much larger opportunity in broadband today than we were with voice in 2001. Our company has acquired a 95% stake in Infotel Broadband

Services Pvt. Ltd. to create a nation-wide network of next-generation wireless broadband services.

Infotel was the only successful bidder in all of the 22 circles in the Broadband Wireless Access (“BWA”) auction conducted by DoT, Government of India.

The 20 MHz, contiguous, pan-India spectrum secured by Reliance through this stake is an extremely valuable resource. With this, Reliance can now offer fourth generation wireless Infocomm services across the nation.

To build this wireless digital distribution platform, we plan to follow an asset light, but partnership-heavy approach.

We will collaborate with strategic partners, such as service providers, infrastructure providers, device manufacturers and other participants in the ecosystem.

This platform will be at the core of an Infocomm eco-system where content creators, application developers and global technology players can come together to deliver unparalleled customer value and experience.

To seed this ecosystem, we plan to set up a Wireless Innovation Center in Mumbai.

Such a platform is also aligned with India’s national priorities, by enabling national transformation and “digital inclusion” of its people.

It will empower India by providing easy and broad access to crucial social infrastructure, including UID, health, education and literacy services.

It will provide manifold productivity gains by access to real time information for individuals, small businesses and enterprises.

It will transform rural India, especially the farm sector, through easy access to information on inputs, outputs, weather and other markets conditions.

It will take India from cash-banking to e-banking, and provide Indians access to banking, finance, security and other services irrespective of their location, at their convenience.

It is estimated that for every one percent in broadband penetration, employment can go up by 4 to 6 per cent.

It expands the national capacity for innovation, and stimulates the need for richer content, more advanced devices and applications.

The possibilities are limitless. This is an opportunity for our company to claim leadership in a new frontier of the knowledge economy, by creating end-to-end solutions that address the entire Infocomm value chain.

I am confident that the magnitude of the opportunity, combined with our asset-light approach, will earn for you attractive returns and increase the value of your investments significantly.

In the coming years, I will report to you on our progress in this exciting initiative.

source :: http://telecomtiger.com/Corporate_fullstory.aspx?pagenum=1&storyid=9470&section=S162

It's surprising to note that he had not made any reference to TD-LTE in this AGM speech although immediate press release after acquisition clearly mentioned about TD-LTE.

Dear Admins,

Kindly move this topic to some other folder since Infotel neither belongs to RCOM nor ADAG group

[Arun 795]

Back to data

Business Standard - Surajeet Das Gupta / New Delhi July 12, 2010, 0:43 IST

Mukesh Ambani is re-entering the telecom business and is betting big on wireless broadband. Can he put India on the world data map?

Mukesh AmbaniIn 2002, when Mukesh Ambani had launched his mobile and fixed-line telecom services on the CDMA platform, he was determined to rewrite the rules of the game. Unlike his rivals who were out to chase revenue from voice calls, his strategy was to go for the data traffic. He decided to offer consumers high-speed internet access at home as well as on the move, which could be used for high-quality video or music downloads, but at a bargain price of around Rs 500 a month.

His targets were ambitious: At least 40 per cent of the total revenue (mobile and broadband) and at least 25 per cent of the mobile revenue of Reliance Infocomm should come from data within five years. “We are gung ho about data. We expect this market to boom if we offer customers at home and office applications at affordable rates,” he had said in an interview to Business Standard. But his dream of putting India on the world data map came a cropper. The Ambani brothers split in 2005, and Mukesh Ambani had to turn Reliance Infocomm over to his younger brother, Anil Ambani. (It is now called Reliance Communications.) He also promised never to enter telecom again.

Meanwhile, large telecom service operators like Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Tata Teleservices continued to concentrate on voice calls. Tariffs consequently dropped to amongst the lowest in the world. And data took the back seat. There are over 600 million users of mobile telephony in the country, but only 10 per cent of the industry’s revenue comes from non-data streams, that too largely SMSs. The inability of state-owned MTNL (in Mumbai and Delhi) and BSNL (in the rest of the country) to offer last-mile connectivity has led to broadband penetration of less than 1 per cent with only 9 million subscribers. The market for data remains hugely under-serviced.

In the last few weeks, the wheel has turned a full circle. The Ambanis have smoked the peace pipe and Mukesh Ambani is free to pursue his data-driven telecom dream one more time. No sooner had the ink on the Ambani agreement dried that he picked up 95 per cent in Mahendra Nahata-promoted Infotel Broadband Services, the only company which has broadband wireless access (BWA) spectrum — a technology which offers high speed wireless broadband to consumers — across all the 22 telecom circles in the country. It had paid Rs 12,847 crore for this spectrum in an auction. Mukesh Ambani will pay Rs 4,800 crore to subscribe to fresh equity in the company.

So what will be his second-innings strategy? Mukesh Ambani and his team are not talking officially yet, but internal presentations, discussions with analysts and vendors who have had detailed meetings with his A team as well as key executives clearly give some idea of the method in the madness. To be sure, a lot has changed in the last five years. With over nine operators in each circle (compared to four or five in 2006), voice tariffs have dropped to their lowest and the service has become a commodity. This has depressed the profit margins of the service operators. The realisation has sunk in that data alone can help them out of the logjam. This explains why there was such a scramble for 3G spectrum in the recent auction. Also, mobile penetration in metros has hit 100 per cent; data thus becomes crucial for service operators to drive up revenue. New devices like the Apple iPad will fuel growth in the market.

Data over voice

It is clear that wireless broadband is the way ahead. And that is what Mukesh Ambani is banking on. In a presentation to analysts, his people have said that China has over 130 million broadband customers, India can reach that number in the next three to four year, and they want leadership position in that market. They could get subscribers by offering unmatched data speeds. This shouldn’t be a tall order because only 5 per cent mobile subscribers use broadband wireless at the moment.

Their claims are backed of course by unmatched spectrum assets — 20 MHz in BWA compared to 5 MHz in 3G. It means Infotel can offer high-speed applications to more subscribers than its 3G counterparts. To the consumer, it means he can get data speeds which are five to seven times faster than 3G. Says a senior executive of a leading mobile service operator which has successfully bid for 3G spectrum: “If you are looking at data, BWA is far superior. But its potential to offer voice is still not tested. And India has a large voice market.” Analysts and experts say that Mukesh Ambani has got the timing right. Karvy Stock Broking Analyst Harit Shah says: “As of now, the data market is in its formative stage. Voice is still the major revenue generator but there is potential demand for data, and tapping that demand effectively will define success.” Shah expects Mukesh Ambani will not go for the retail market initially; he will start with the enterprise market.

On its part, Infotel has clearly identified the market: Small businesses which are looking to connect their employees, the retail market which entails connecting millions of homes as well as offering mobile solutions, and the vast rural markets which cannot be connected by expensive copper for broadband. “The strategy, considering the licence cost, would be to build a model which will be able to attract a large volume of customers,” says Protiviti Consulting Country Head Mrityunjay Kapoor.

Most experts say that Mukesh Ambani will choose the long-term evolution (LTE) technology route instead of WiMax (an alternate technology which he might use for the intermediate period). Compare the speeds: At present, companies like Tata Teleservices offer dongles which transfer data at 3 megabyte per second; 3G services will give speeds of 14 to 20 megabyte per second; and LTE, which is a fourth-generation or 4G technology, provides speeds of 80 to 100 megabyte per second. The technology is of course new. Its commercial deployment was done recently by Telia Sonera in Spain, that too in a few cities. But the good news is that over 22 LTE networks will be up and running by the end of this year, and 110 networks in 48 countries are backing this technology. This means there will be enough equipment available for Mukesh Ambani at reasonable prices.

Vendors say that initially high-speed access on LTE will be available only through dongles (like Tata Photon), which means you can be mobile with a laptop or take a fixed wireless connection at home. But mobile devices are expected to hit the market by next year which would be compatible with 2G, 3G as well LTE networks. It may take these handsets up to two years to gain scale and become affordable. (The entry-level prices are expected to be $200 to $300.) These phones will ensure seamless transfer from one network to another. Thus you could be on 3G network in Delhi but in congested areas like Connaught Place the phone will switch to an LTE network on its own.

What about voice?

But won’t Mukesh Ambani ever offer voice connectivity? Yes, he has said he will offer voice over internet protocol or net telephony, but this service under the current regulatory framework will be limited to consumers within his broadband wireless network. That is because net telephony is limited between personal computers; you cannot call a phone outside your network or a fixed line. But, as analysts say, the rules could always change. Technology experts say that LTE networks are not geared for voice telephony, as this can lead to a fall in the utilisation of the spectrum. Though Mukesh Ambani has said that he will not look for a 2G or a 3G network, most competitors say he has no alternative if he wants to become a big player. Says the CEO of a CDMA mobile company: “I don’t see any business case based on just data in India. He has to buy a 2G or 3G company and offer BWA over it. Otherwise, he will remain a small player.”

But there are alternatives. One, Mukesh Ambani could initially bundle free net telephony minutes with data services to create traction amongst consumers, especially in the small-scale sector. Two, he could go for a virtual network by buying capacity in bulk from incumbents and sell it under its own brand. The policy for this is expected to be cleared soon by the government. Three, he could sign a roaming agreement with a 3G operator to offer LTE as well as 3G services.

Mukesh Ambani will look at low-cost deployment of network. Since Infotel is the only pan-India BWA operator, the vendors and technology it selects will virtually determine who controls the Indian market. Says telecom analyst Mahesh Uppal: “Mukesh Ambani choosing LTE will determine the way technology will evolve in India. The fact is that he has bought a good asset; whether he has paid too much, only time will tell.” Mukesh Ambani doesn’t have to start from scratch because infrastructure can now be shared. “Part of the strategy is to be asset light; so Infotel will outsource about 15,000 towers and the fibre optic network, which it requires for a pan-India launch. This will reduce costs substantially,” says a source close to the deal.

Mukesh Ambani is aware of the challenges such a strategy could face. One is to build applications which will make high-speed broadband worthwhile to subscribe. It has to go beyond just surfing the net. His team in its internal presentations has argued that personal computers and broadband internet are perceived to be business applications. This perception needs to be changed which requires bringing in entertainment-based broadband applications. Two, the 3G networks are unlikely to let him walk away with the market without a fight. Vodafone, Reliance Communications and Tata Teleservices might not have BWA spectrum but are depending on 3G for their data services, which gives adequate speeds for the mass market. The battle for the data market could see a bloodbath like in the voice market.

[Greatest 55]

Way to go Mukeshbhai...

[ami1 237]

^^ As per current regulations, RIL can just pay Rs 1300 Cr and offer VOIP legally with termination/origin from normal phones allowed. Even after factoring in 1300 Cr, RIL still has got the 4G bandwidth much cheaper than 3G guys.

[kesav 127]

The following could be one of the best ways for Mukesh Ambani to move forward

1) Convert ISP A license to UASL license(without bundling spectrum)

--> It'll ensure Infotel can launch voice services immediately on their own spectrum

2) Launch nationwide wireless IPTV services with femto-cell integrated set-top boxes

--> DTH is a hot thing right now. IPTV being superior platform can deliver more HD channels with unimaginably superior realtime interactive features

--> Integrated femto-cells will ensure each household which has set-top box to be acting like a micro tower for superior indoor coverage

--> Thus implanted femtocells can be leveraged when Infotel launches 4G-based handsets

3) Lure the customers with triple-play services

--> Nothing can be as luring as having a set-top box working as WiFi modem and as micro tower for consumer's mobile's indoor coverage

--> Nothing can be as luring as having single bill covering your TV channels, mobiles and internet

4) Launch 4G in full scale as soon as 4G handsets are available in mass market

Edited July 12, 2010 by kesav

[Greatest 55]

^^^ The 3rd point seems viable and valid... Mukesh should go for it...

[csmart 472]

other players will start 'foul' crying and Mr. Raja will find ways to earn more from mukesh and other cos.. the options are good for Mukesh, but should be well implemented... if he brings IPTV, the way he did with CDMA, then we will see reduction in DTH prices also...

[vishalmcp 8]

The following could be one of the best ways for Mukesh Ambani to move forward

1) Convert ISP A license to UASL license(without bundling spectrum)

--> It'll ensure Infotel can launch voice services immediately on their own spectrum

2) Launch nationwide wireless IPTV services with femto-cell integrated set-top boxes

--> DTH is a hot thing right now. IPTV being superior platform can deliver more HD channels with unimaginably superior realtime interactive features

--> Integrated femto-cells will ensure each household which has set-top box to be acting like a micro tower for superior indoor coverage

--> Thus implanted femtocells can be leveraged when Infotel launches 4G-based handsets

3) Lure the customers with triple-play services

--> Nothing can be as luring as having a set-top box working as WiFi modem and as micro tower for consumer's mobile's indoor coverage

--> Nothing can be as luring as having single bill covering your TV channels, mobiles and internet

4) Launch 4G in full scale as soon as 4G handsets are available in mass market

hmmm.... Good points dude.... Mukesh should take all these into his considerations..... Lets wait & see what he has planned.

[ravi_patent 28]

@kesav: +1 for your analysis

Edited July 13, 2010 by ravi_patent

[me_saket 73]

@kesav

2nd and third options seems to be same/

And thumbs up for u.

great thing combined together, FEMTO-cell

[jdjain 0]

Wah Janab , you would show us Future 4G tech

[Arun 795]

Reliance Industries to opt for LTE over WiMax

Financial Express - Aug 23, 2010 at 0317 hrs IST

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), which through Infotel Broadband is the only operator to have won spectrum for providing broadband wireless access (BWA) services in all the 22 circles, has decided to use the long-term evolution (LTE) technology as opposed to the other competing alternative, WiMAX. While the LTE technology is backed by the San Diego-based chip maker Qualcomm, WiMAX technology has the backing of the chipmaker Intel.

RIL’s veering towards LTE technology would come as a big blow to the rival WiMAX platform since it is the largest BWA operator in the country and its choice of technology would certainly have a bearing on the choice other operators make. Bharti Airtel, which has won BWA spectrum in four circles is still to decide on technology.

Sources said the main reason for RIL to throw its weight behind LTE technology is its old relations with Qualcomm. RIL had opted for Qualcomm’s CDMA technology when it had rolled out its mobile telephony in late 2002 through Reliance Infocomm. In fact, at that time, there was an understanding between the two that Qualcomm would pick up a minority stake in Infocomm, which later did not materialize.

The other reason cited by officials close to the decision is that by choosing LTE, Mukesh Ambani-led RIL can use the CDMA network of younger brother Anil’s Reliance Communications (Rcomm). When contacted, an RIL spokesperson declined comment.

Qualcomm, which has itself won spectrum in four circles—Delhi, Mumbai, Haryana and Kerala—has since then offloaded 26% stake to Tulip Telecom and Global Holding Corporation Pvt Ltd.

However, this also means that it would be sometime before RIL commences its BWA services since LTE is expected to be fully ready only by next year while WiMAX has been in place from the last five years. Though the government has already allocated spectrum for BWA and is still to do so for 3G services, operators are expected to roll out 3G services earlier than BWA because most of them are undecided on the choice of technology so far. Only the state-owned BSNL and MTNL have so far started deploying WiMAX for their BWA services.

Broadband offers huge opportunities in the country as there are only meager 9 million subscribers to this service as on date, which means a penetration level of just 1%.

In fact, shortly after acquiring 95% stake in Infotel after winning BWA spectrum, RIL said in an analyst presentation that the data.