Rel Jio, RCom ink strategic partnership covering 4G LTE services

Reliance Communications and Reliance Jio on Monday announced the signing of agreements for change in spectrum allotment in 800 MHz band across 9 circles from RCOM to Jio, and for sharing of spectrum in 800 MHz band across 17 circles.While addressing shareholders at its Annual General Meeting in December, Anil Ambani had first spoken about such a tie-up and had termed it as a 'virtual consolidation'. With this, RCom customers will be able to access Jio's 4G LTE network under reciprocal sharing and ICR agreements, while access to enhanced spectrum footprint in the 800 MHz band will complement Jio's LTE services rollout, providing increased network coverage and superior service quality.

As part of the enhanced strategic collaboration, both companies also intend to enter into reciprocal Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) arrangements."The spectrum arrangements between Reliance Jio and RCOM will result in network synergies, enhanced network capacity and will optimise spectrum utilisation and capex efficiencies. Both operators anticipate considerable savings in operating costs and future investment in networks," RCom said in a press release.The arrangement, however, is subject to liberalisation of RCom spectrum in the 800 MHz band and obtaining requisite approvals.

Disclosure: Reliance Industries has acquired management control of Network18, which owns TV18 Broadcast and moneycontrol.com.