Idea Cellular is reportedly planning to launch 4G services in the few circles in India during January-March 2016. The operator has earmarked a capex of Rs 63 billion and will be looking to roll out long term evolution network in 10 circles in a phased manner. The circles are Kerala, Maharashtra (and Goa), Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, North East, Karnataka and Haryana. Further, it will be using 10 MHz of spectrum in the Kerala circles and 5 MHz of spectrum in the remaining circles.
Idea Cellular intends to roll out LTE-frequency division duplex (LTE-FDD) network using spectrum in the 1800 MHz band. The company had acquired significant frequency airwaves in this band in the recent spectrum auctions.