Reliance Jio Infocomm Takes Up The Fibre Based Brodband Segment
Reliance Jio Infocomm Takes Up The Fibre Based Brodband Segment
Along with 4G technology mobile based broadband services, Reliance Jio Infocomm is looking to roll out internet services on fibre across 900 cities. The telecommunications company is looking to offer a wider gamut of bandwidth for those who want to access live television and other digital services across different sectors. Rjio is a subsidiary of Reliance Industries and it has already finalised key agreements with technology partners as well as infrastructure providers.
Device makers and application partners for the project have also been selected. The company is aiming to create a digital ecosystem that can be used to benefit the industry. It will also have value for the government and retail users, as per the inputs provided in the company's Annual Report.
Key leadership talent for setting up of the business are in place and in the implementation phases, according to RIL. The company has also rolled out its own optical fibre cable networks across different geographies. It has also carried out infrastructure sharing deals with leading private companies including Bharti Airtel and Reliance Communications.
This is in concordance with the company's aim to provide services across different sectors such as healthcare, education, financial services, security, and entertainment. When this project is completed, it will be the biggest fibre operation by a private company.
The current market leader Bharti Airtel is providing services in 90 cities so far. State run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited is the only player with fixed countrywide line networks based on a mix of copper and fibre cables.
Not many private companies have been interested in fixed lines so far as mobile had become the prime means of communicating across the world. BSNL is that only player with 20 million fixed line users so far. Pan India telecommunications companies such as Bharti Airtel have 200 million mobile line users in the country compared with 3 million fixed line customers.
There has been a change in the scene following uptake of data services. Telecom companies have realised that data applications such as tele-education and entertainment require huge bandwidth. Even those working online need massive amounts of bandwidth in a day to bridge the gap. Many companies have online services which consume a huge number of bytes.
Capacity problem had always been an issue with companies across the country. Telecommunications companies are now looking to use optical cable to solve the problem. This can work by carrying data across vast distances and routed through wireless networks at the last mile.
The future of telecommunications is set to change with 4G and the advent of fixed line options from one of India's biggest players in the telecom sector. RIL has dialled the right number for attracting customers and creating competition for BSNL. But even the state run PSU needs help if it has to make healthy profits and support infrastructure. Hopefully, policy initiatives will be in place to help BSNL grow as well. Healthy competition between public and private sector will promote a good economic climate and provide varied choices for the Indian consumer.
