With 4G rollout, Vodafone seeks to stay on top in Tamil Nadu

The telecom major completed launches in Coimbatore, Tirupur, Madurai, Thoothukudi, Trichy, Hosur, Salem, Erode, Puducherry and Vellore before unveiling the 4G service in the city. Talking about the importance of Tamil Nadu, and specifically Chennai as a market, S Murali, Business Head – Tamil Nadu, Vodafone India, tells us, “The state happens to be the second largest telecom circle by revenue and the state market is growing at 1.5 times in the 4G handset category. 

The growth in data consumption in TN is close to 24 per cent Y-o-Y.” He adds, “Our network covers over 99 per cent of the state’s population and we have over 16 million customers. As the leading telecom service provider in Tamil Nadu, we have a 23.3 per cent revenue market share.” Chennai witnessed a 2X growth in 4G handsets in six months while two out of every three customers in the city are users of data services. 

Giving us an overview of the company’s plans, with respect to this circle, Murali explains, “Tamil Nadu is a key focus area for Vodafone and a significant growth market as well. To cater to the growing volumes of customer usage and their increasing need for speed, the company has invested Rs 7,000 cr plus in Tamil Nadu circle (including Puducherry) till date including Rs 350 cr in H1 FY17 to expand, modernise and build a more technology and energy efficient network.” 

The company has a large retail footprint with more than 800 branded stores spread across prominent localities in the circle. With the launch in Goa expected soon, the SuperNet 4G coverage will be available in 2,400 towns across 17 circles in the country by March 2017. These 17 circles where Vodafone will offer 4G services contribute over 90 percent of Vodafone India’s data revenues.