RCOM prepares to switch off 900MHz network in three circles

Indian cellco Reliance Communications (RCOM) has issued a notice via SMS to its customers in West Bengal, Bihar and Assam, encouraging those still using 2G technology to upgrade to 3G by 12 December, when the cellco will switch off its 2G infrastructure in those three circles. The Economic Times writes that the operator failed to renew its 900MHz concessions for the regions in the most recent spectrum auction and, as such, will shut down its 2G networks when the licences expire later this month. After 12 December, RCOM will continue to offer 2G services in the affected circles via roaming agreements with other operators, including Vodafone India, Aircel and Tata Teleservices (TTSL). Due to the differences between RCOM’s coverage and the footprints of its roaming partners, some subscribers will no longer have access to the 2G services.