News
Indian operators to share 800-MHz frequencies across 17 circles.
Reliance Communications on Monday struck spectrum sharing and trading deals with Reliance Jio Infocomm aimed at boosting network coverage and cutting costs.
The two Indian telcos have also agreed to enter reciprocal intra-circle roaming (ICR) arrangements.
"The spectrum agreements between RJIL (Reliance Jio) and RCom will result in network synergies, enhanced network capacity and will optimise spectrum utilisation and capex efficiencies," said Reliance Communications, in a statement.
The deal will see RCom sell 800-MHz spectrum in nine circles to Reliance Jio. The telcos will also share 800-MHz spectrum in 17 telecom circles.
"RCom’s customers will benefit from access to Reliance Jio’s world class nationwide 4G LTE network under the reciprocal sharing and ICR agreements," Reliance Communications said.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Monday’s agreement is the latest in a string of deals between RCom and Reliance Jio, the owners of which are of course the Ambani brothers, Anil and Mukesh respectively.
In April 2014, RCom agreed to give Reliance Jio access to its intra-city fibre network.
A year before that, RCom agreed to share its intercity fibre network with Reliance Jio in return for 12 billion rupees €162.8 million). In June of that year, Reliance Jio agreed to lease space on as many as 45,000 cell towers owned by Reliance Communications in a deal worth INR120 billion (€1.6 billion).
