Reliance Jio to share RCom spectrum in seven circles

Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio has entered into a spectrum sharing deal with younger brother Anil Ambani-backed Reliance Communications. The sharing deal is for 800MHz band across seven circles.

Reliance Jio owns spectrum in 800 MHz and 1,800 MHz bands in 20 of the total 22 circles in the country, and also has 2,300 MHz spectrum across all the 22 circles in the country. Of this, the 800 MHz band is the most efficient. Therefore, the deal with RCom will give Jio more bandwidth to offer high speed data and video services.

“Reliance Jio has substantially completed its network roll-out across the country. The network is currently being tested and optimised. Most of the business platforms have been rolled out and are being tested in a limited use environment,” the company said in a statement.

The company expects to ramp up its beta program over the next few weeks to further optimise the network, prior to commercial launch of operations. Financial year 2016-17 is projected to be the first year of commercial operations for Reliance Jio.

Reliance Jio has launched Wi-Fi hot spots across several locations in the country and has entered into agreements with some of the State and local authorities to provide Wi-Fi services. Reliance Jio has also started rolling out last-mile connectivity for its fibre-to-the-home business.