Taiwanese telco targets 40% LTE market share by year-end
Taiwan’s Chunghwa Telecom expects to attract 2 million LTE subscribers this year, local press reported. If successful, the operator’s subscriber base would hit 7 million customers representing a growth of 59% compared to the previous year, according to the report. This figure also will represent 40% market share by year-end, compared to 38% market share at the end of 2015.
According to U.S-based tech consultancy firm IDC, total LTE subscribers in Taiwan could reach 18 million connections by year-end.
Chunghwa Telecom previously announced plans to spend 30.6 billion Taiwan dollars ($944.5 million) on capital expenses this year, which includes the recent purchase of equipment to enhance LTE coverage and capacity. The telco currently operates more than 10,000 base stations across Taiwan.
The operator initially launched LTE services in Taiwan in May 2014, and currently offers service through spectrum in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands. Rival operators FarEasTone, Taiwan Star, Taiwan Mobile and APT also provide LTE services in the country.
Vodafone targets Telenor India’s spectrum and operations
Vodafone is reportedly mulling a takeover of rival Telenor, with sources claiming Telenor India’s 1800 megahertz spectrum is valued at around $1 billion.
Vodafone currently owns 4G spectrum in five of India’s 22 telecom circles, while rival telcos Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have pan-India holdings, and Idea Cellular has 4G spectrum in 10 circles across the country. Telenor India operates in seven telecom circles.
In India, Vodafone ended March with 197.9 million mobile subscribers. The carrier’s 3G coverage currently reaches 95% of the Indian population of target urban areas.
