Reliance Communication acquires WiMAX operator eWave World

Anil Ambani-controlled Reliance Communications acquired a controlling stake in UK-based eWave World, a telco focused on the rapidly developing market for wireless telephony services using the WiMAX technology standard.

The acquisition was done through Reliance Infocom BV, a division of Reliance Globalcom and wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Communications.

Over, the next 2-3 years, Reliance Globalcom, through the acquired company eWave World, would invest around USD 500 million (Rs 20 billion) to build and acquire WiMAX networks in emerging markets in Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa.

Recently, eWave World had entered into a joint venture in China to invest in nationwide broadband operations. The company holds WiMAX licenses and has received spectrum to commence WiMAX services in several countries.

``The 4G WiMAX network in 50 countries would enable us to offer the most diverse and unmatched suite of services to over 75% of global population in combination with Reliance Globalcom`s 115,000 km fully IP enabled optic network spread across 6 continents``, said Punit Garg, CEO, Reliance Globalcom.

Last Year, Reliance Globalcom had acquired US-based ethernet service provider Yipes Holdings for USD 300 million (Rs 12 billion).

Reliance Globalcom is investing USD 200 million (Rs 8 billion) to more than double the metro coverage in the U.S. to over 35 top metros.

Reliance to ring in Kashmir soon

Srinagar: Eying the lucrative market that Kashmir provides to the telcoms, the Reliance Communication Limited is all set to start its operations in the state this year.
According to the sources the company which is India’s leading telecommunication company has completed major part of its work including the installation of towers and laying of optical cables in the state.
Sources revealed that the company has completed four phases of work here under which 1200 towers have been installed. “We have completed the setting of towers in almost the entire state including in the far flung areas of Ladakh and Kargil with a special preference to the tourist and religious areas,” insiders said on Tuesday, adding that the company has entered into the fifth phase of work under which 300 more towers would be installed.
The company has laid optical cables in the major cities of the state. They said, “We have laid optical cables in the entire city of Srinagar and most parts of other districts”. The installation of towers is currently in progress to cover other areas of the state, they said.
The Srinagar-Jammu highway is also under the agenda of the company. “The company was planning to lay optical cable along the highway to connect Kashmir with other Indian states,” they said.
They said that the main focus of the company would be to provide smooth and flawless Internet service.
According to the sources the company aims at provide internet services to the business houses in the state through broadband, wi-fi and other means that are already working in other states of India.
About the landline services, sources said the company shall be providing landline services in the future but the main focus right now is on internet and mobile services.
They said that the company has a healthy competition in the market here however, it would try to come up with new schemes.
Sources said many new companies were waiting on the wings to enter into the state.

Reliance broadband doing better than the rest.

In the last few months I have noticed that on reliance broadband forum, members have started writing good things about reliance which does speak for the fact that reliance is trying to sort their service quality out to create a better image which is good news as India still lacks good internet service providers.
I am yet to get a reliance broadband connection as they still don't have their services in my area and by the looks of it I dont think it will be available any time soon. India broadband forums reliance broadband section is getting some good content these days.. do pop in to check it out.