Reliance Jio, Reliance Communications Sign Spectrum Sharing Pact

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio today signed strategic partnership agreement with younger sibling Anil’s Reliance Communications to share spectrum for providing high-speed telecom services.

“Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd and Reliance Communications today announced the signing of agreements for change in spectrum allotment in 800 MHz band across 9 Circles from RCom to RJIL, and for sharing of spectrum in 800 MHz band across 17 circles,” the two firms announced.

“As part of the enhanced strategic collaboration, both companies also intend to enter into reciprocal Intra Circle Roaming arrangements,” they said.

RCom said access to enhanced spectrum footprint in the 800 MHz band “will complement RJIL’s LTE services rollout, providing increased network coverage and superior service quality”.

The spectrum arrangements between RJIL and RCOM, according to the two companies, will result in network synergies, enhanced network capacity and help spectrum optimization leading to capex efficiencies.
Both service providers anticipate considerable savings in operating costs and future investment in networks while according to RCOM, its customers will benefit from access to Jio’s nationwide 4G LTE network under the reciprocal sharing and ICR agreements.

The arrangements are subject to liberalisation of RCOM spectrum in the 800 MHz band and obtaining requisite approvals.