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Follow UsBhaskar Hazarika
NEW DELHI: Amidst spectrum crunch, telecom major Vodafone-Essar plans to ramp up its operations in the remaining six circles in the country.
The company had applied for 4.4 MHz, which is yet to be cleared by the Department of Telecom (DoT). It received the operating license for the six circles early this year. Vodafone-Essar Spacetel, Vodafone-Essar’s wholly owned subsidy holds the license for the six circles.
According to sources, Vodafone is making a ballistic approach to launch services in the six circles: Jammu & Kashmir, Orissa, Himachal Pradesh, the North East, Assam and Bihar.
Vodafone-Essar recently dethroned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) from the second slot in number of subscriber base. Bharti Airtel is holding the number one slot in terms of subscriber base.
“We are initiating plans to launch services in these circles soon. Once the spectrum is allocated we will launch services in these circles,” a company official said.
With the C circles witnessing major growth in subscriber additions, mobile operators are keen on launching the services in these circles.
Vodafone-Essar is studying the mobile market in these circles. The company is planning to launch the new brand Vodafone Essar from Hutch-Essar by year-end.
Out of the total 23 circles, Vodafone-Essar is operating in 16 circles.