The telecom operator acquired 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard spectrum in mentioned cities in the February 2014 auctions.
Telecom major Vodafone India on Wednesday launched its 4G services in Mumbai after it had recently launched the services in Delhi-NCR, Kerala, Karnataka and Kolkata, bringing it on par with Bharti Airtel who already launched its 4G services pan-India.
The telecom operator acquired 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard spectrum in mentioned cities in the February 2014 auctions.
These circles together contribute close to 50% of its total data revenue, making it the largest data revenue market for the firm.
Its 4G network will cover prominent business and residential corridors of western suburbs and southern Mumbai in a phased manner. The roll-out will be completed across the city and New Mumbai by next month.
The telecom giant will retain the 3G pricing till the completion of 4G network across Mumbai and New Mumbai. On being asked if the price offer was an introductory offer, Sunil Sood, managing director and CEO of Vodafone India said, "We do not know whether it is part of introductory offer, but for the moment up to March 31, the price will the same as 3G. Anybody with existing 3G service can upgrade to 4G."
Despite Mumbai being a one of the most important markets for all telecom players, Vodafone launched the service only after introducing it in four cities. The launch was delayed as the company was testing the pulse of the market and consumer experience.
Vodafone has also clarified its stand on Net neutrality issue. "We believe very strongly in neutral Net, the decision of choice should be in customer's hand. But at the same time we want Net equality also which is defined by service rules. We strongly believe that you can not discriminate between the players providing the same service. It is unfair," said Sood.
According to the company, Vodafone India has nine million customers in Mumbai with a smart phone penetration of 60%.
Its 4G offering is built on the 1,800 MHz band which has better propagation capabilities compared to the 2,300 MHz on which Airtel and Reliance Jio will launch their services.
The company has invested Rs 7,500 crore on its network in Mumbai. Vodafone is offering data packs starting from Rs 25 to large packs of 20 GB to data sharks.
In comparison, Airtel has 4G services in over 300 towns across India. While Jio, a unit of Reliance Industries, is expected to launch its offerings by April 2016. It launched its 4G services exclusively for its employees in December 2015 on trial basis.
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