Vodafone Idea focusing on merging networks to offer superior 4G, VolTE in India: KM Birla

New Delhi: Vodafone Idea Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla said that India's largest telco's current focus is to merge the networks of Vodafone and Idea in the country, and refarm spectrum to enhance 4G LTE and VoLTE service in the country.

"A lot needs to be done.... we are working on upgrading and consolidating the infrastructure to deliver better services for masses," he said during his keynote speech at the India Mobile Congress 2018.

Birla said that mobile broadband will be at the heart of India's transformation into becoming a digital economy. "India has begun its odyssey to become a digital economy... We are committed to make Digital India a reality," he said, adding that the digital revolution will ride on a ubiquitous high-speed data infrastructure.

"Telcos have been successful in delivering voice service under NTP 1999, and the time has come to repeat that, and make digital India a reality," he added.

Vodafone and Idea are loved brands in the country, he said, adding that Idea is strong in the rural markets, while Vodafone has a strong presence in urban areas.

Vodafone India and Idea Cellular completed the merger to create the country's largest telecom company on August 31, 2018. "The merger will help us participate in the next broadband journey. We thank the Indian government," he said.

IDEA Cellular Limited