Idea planning to plug gaps in spectrum holdings

Idea Cellular will consider acquisitions to plug gaps in its spectrum profile as it prepares for the launch of new rival Reliance Jio Infocomm (RJIL), the Economic Times writes, citing Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla. In an interview with the news outlet, the official explained that RJIL’s arrival will ‘create an upset,’ adding that: ‘The sector will…see a lot of changes next year. When you have a new entrant with such deep pockets, then that is bound to happen.’ Nevertheless, Idea has seen strong growth recently, and will now look to plug gaps in its spectrum holdings – the operator has no 3G spectrum in nine circles, and lacks LTE spectrum in eleven. To that end, Mr Birla said that Idea is open to acquisitions that would let it complete its spectrum, but added that there was no ‘credible party to merge with’ and that instead Idea ‘must stay focussed on operations and network growth.’