Idea today launched its 4G LTE services across four more states or three telecom circles – Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Punjab, three weeks after it launched 4G services across five states in South India – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Idea said that its 4G LTE services will be available across 183 towns in these circles by 31st January 2016. It also said that it has received over 1.5 million 4G service requests from existing customers on its pre-book offer.
Major towns that will get 4G LTE services in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh (MPCG) at launch include the cities of Indore, Bhopal and Raipur, while Gwalior and Jabalpur will follow by 31st January 2016. It will expand to cover 84 towns including Ambikapur, Anuppur, Bhilai, Bilaspur, Chhatarpur, Katni, Kawardha, Korba, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Rajnandgaon, Ratlam, Sagar, Satna, Sehore, Shahdol, Shivpuri, Ujjain and Vidisha by March 2016.
Idea already announced its plans to roll out 4G services across its 10 telecom service areas – Maharashtra & Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Punjab and Haryana, Karnataka, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and North East in over 750 large and small towns by the first half of 2016.
Earlier it said that metros in Southern India and large towns including Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Trivandrum, Mangalore and Coimbatore will get Idea 4G by March 2016. Other states such as Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra & Goa, Punjab, Haryana, North East and Orissa will also get 4G by March 2016 in a phased manner.
Idea 4G rates start at Rs. 245 for 1GB data and goes up to Rs. 1845 for 15GB data. 4G packs come with 28 days validity and the rates might vary depending on the circle. Idea is also offering double the data in all the 4G packs for both the prepaid and postpaid customers for a limited period.
Idea customers with 4G devices in these towns can get 4G by upgrading their existing SIM cards to new 4G SIM cards through Idea stores nearby.
Commenting on the launch of 4G services in these new states, P. Lakshminarayana, Chief Operating Officer – Corporate, Idea Cellular said:
Since last week of December 2015, Idea has rapidly rolled out its high-speed 4G LTE network to cover 7 major markets in India. By March 2016, our services will extend to 3 more key markets namely, Maharashtra & Goa, North East and Orissa, and by June 2016, Idea’s 4G footprint will cover 750 cities across 10 telecom circles.
Sashi Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer, Idea Cellular, said:
Idea customers with 4G devices in these 183 towns can now start experiencing superfast speeds by simply upgrading their existing SIM cards to new 4G SIM cards. The company is also offering attractive subscription plans to digital content including a wide range of the latest Music, Movies and Games. Idea has also partnered with leading handset manufacturers and e-commerce retailers for special data bundling offers on new 4G smartphones.