Just like the rest of the country, Goa too is abuzz with talks of 4G. At the moment, the State is only seeing the 4G roll-outs from leading telecom operators. However, reality is that even five years since 3G launch, data speeds across 80 per cent of the country are generally in the 2G rather than 3G range. So, the question is this: Is Goa truly 4G-ready? It assumes significance, given the fact that the State capital Panjim figures on the Smart City Plan, under the Government of India’s Digital India initiative.
In this direction, Goa has been facing several hurdles such as the issue regarding EMF radiation and low penetration of cellphone towers that ensure a strong network. In this light, it is also important to note that tourism has a substantial impact on the Goan economy, and to provide tourists from the world over the latest technology would certainly boost this aspect for the state.
In advanced countries, where 4G-LTE (fourth generation all-IP based network) is already a reality, the user can experience data speeds up to five times faster than those of 3G network; also, 4G allows features such as HD-quality voice and video calling, multi-party audio and video conferencing, calling over Wi-Fi networks, simultaneous talk and surf, and seamless switching between voice and Wi-Fi networks. Interestingly, few telecom operators have gone on record to announce these features with the exception of Jio, the upcoming digital services of Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries.
A recent report from a Credit Suisse has pointed out that Jio is increasingly moving towards probably the best spectrum holdings across private operators in India. A Reliance spokesperson said, “To provide a robust and highly scalable infrastructure for building the country’s digital economy and empower people, Reliance Jio is building a country-wide broadband next-generation network that is aligned to Government’s vision of Digital India.”
Technology is just one part of the question. The other is infrastructure and Goa in majority of the parameters lags behind. A Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) report that appeared last month has demanded a policy on installation of mobile towers. According to the report, Goa which already has over 3000 cell sites, needs 1200 additional cell sites over the next two years to improve network connectivity.
Here again, Jio has introduced an innovation which is likely to change industry standards. Jio’s cellphone towers are its Ground-Based Masts (GBMs) that are certified by IIT-Bombay as eco-friendly, calling it ‘elegant, future-proof design for 4G-LTE deployment’. Jio has installed as many as 90,000 GBMs nationwide and a Jio spokesperson added “Reliance Jio towers are designed to rigorous national and international standards and conform to all statutory requirements as mandated by law.”
Also, there is the aspect of spectrum holdings and the COAI has come out in support of telecom operators. Rajan S Mathews, Director-General of COAI said, “The government has introduced reforms to improve the network quality across the country, one example being the spectrum trading and the spectrum trading policy. With this policy, operators will be able to overcome the hurdle of spectrum shortage. Also, this will help in improving the network quality which will eventually benefit customers and enhance the financial health of the country.”
Jio is ready with 4G-LTE in view of all these aspects. Jio has been working on a comprehensive digital ecosystem comprising of spectrum assets, network infrastructure, and consumer devices that are needed to deliver a world class 4G-LTE experience. In-built within its digital infrastructure is a state-of-the art applications ecosystem which complements its high-definition voice and video services.
When Herald contacted another major player in Goa, Vodafone, the India spokesperson said, “We do not have any immediate plans for launch of 4G in Goa.”
