RCom decides to adopt a 4G focussed strategy

In order to stop losses, Debt-laden Indian telecoms network operator Anil Ambani owned Reliance Communication said that it has decided to adopt a 4G focussed strategy for profitable growth of its wireless business.

The company said that "As already announced on 1st October 2017, RCOM has decided to adopt a 4G focussed strategy for profitable growth of its wireless business. Accordingly, RCOM will be optimizing its 2G and 3G footprint, and related infrastructure and human resources, with effect from 30 November 2017."

"The Company's 4G-led strategy will be executed, as at present, on the back of capital-light access to India's most extensive 4G mobile network, through already operational spectrum-sharing and ICR arrangements with Reliance Jio, the company further said.

Meanwhile, the company has also decided to shut down its DTH arm business Reliance Digital TV with effect from November 18.

The reason behind the decision is the expiry of its DTH license, and the company is not looking to renew it, " RCOM said.

Reliance Digital TV informs its customers that due to the expiry of our license we will be shutting down our DTH services across India wef 18 November. Customers are advised to make alternative arrangements to keep watching their favorite TV channels. We regret the inconvenience caused," Reliance Big TV said in a notice.

However, there is some relief for the company as Department of Telecom has recently approved for the demerger of the wireless business of Sistema Shyam Teleservices Limited (SSTL) into RCOM.

With this, RCOM will acquire approximately 2 million customers and additional annual revenues of around Rs 700 crore.

The closure of the transaction is expected by the first week of November 2017