Reliance Jio turns down Idea, Vodafone spectrum swapping proposal

Reliance Industries’ telecom arm RJio has refused to swap 2G spectrum with Vodafone in Delhi and with Idea Cellular in Kerala saying it is not feasible.   “The proposals for swapping of spectrum in Delhi and Kerala service areas have not been found to be feasible and are, therefore, not acceptable to RJIL,” Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (RJio) said in a letter to Department of Telecom.   Vodafone had proposed to swap airwaves frequencies in 1800MHz band, widely known as 2G spectrum, with RJio in Delhi and Idea had similar plans for Kerala service area. “RJio feels there are some interference issue in the frequencies held by Vodafone and Idea Cellular in Delhi and Kerala service area, therefore it has refused to swap frequencies,” an official source said.   Interference problem can lead to problems like cross connection of mobile services or overhearing during calls. None of the three companies commented on the matter. As per auction rules, telecom companies that won spectrum in February auction can swap frequency with other companies based on their mutual agreement. RJio has, however, agreed to swap spectrum with Idea in Kolkata service area.   Mukesh Ambani led RJio has requested Wireless Planning Commission wing of DoT to help it in swapping frequencies in North East service area. RJio, Vodafone and Idea have announced that they have plans to use 180MHz frequencies for 4G services.   “We once again request you not to swap the spectrum allocated to us through the auction with any other operator in any other service area except that of Kolkata and North East service area which has been agreed,” RJio said.   PTI