Vodafone India, the second-largest mobile network operator in India has announced the upcoming launch of its 4G networks in the country in terms of subscribers. The telecom operator has announced that it will roll out its new 4G network service starting in Kochi, Kerala from December 14, i.e., from Monday. Currently, the operator only offers 3G services in Kerala on the 2100MHz band and now claims that it will roll out 4G service in Kerala. Vodafone will be the first telecom operator in Kerala to offer 2G/ 3G/ 4G services on its own radio.

Vodafone seems to follow the popular telecom service provider, Bharti Airtel with this announcement of launching 4G network in the country. The market leader Bharti Airtel had unveiled its plans in April early this year. Vodafone has stated in an email that it will enhance the intensity of its 4G launch covering important metro cities that include Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata in the first phase. The company has already commenced testing of 4G services in these locations in a successful way. In the month of October, Vodafone had announced that it will roll out 4G services for Mumbai, Delhi-NCR and Kolkata.

The existing Vodafone subscribers in Kochi can avail a free upgrade to 4G services along with a new “Superfast 4G SIM”. Users also get a free 3-month subscription to Hungama Play, with access to over 7,500 titles. Also packaged, is access to free unlimited music streaming on Vodafone Music. Vodafone is planning to bring a lot of other benefits to its customers in Kochi that they can avail include “100% Extra Data” for all 4G RED customers for 3 months. Users can also use 4G mobile Wi-Fi hotspots for up to 10 devices.

Announcing the launch of Vodafone’s new 4G mobile services in India, Sunil Sood, MD & CEO at Vodafone India said:

“4G has the potential to revolutionize the mobile experience through powerful innovation that impacts how we work and live. Vodafone’s global expertise and experience of launching 4G across 19 countries give us a better understanding of this technology and the needs of the 4G customer.”

“Accordingly, we are delighted to launch our ultrafast 4G services in India that will give customers the power to experience the most advanced wireless broadband experience available across the globe today. As a steadfast partner of Digital India, we remain focused on deploying multiple technologies -be it 2G, 3G and now 4G-for optimum use as each technology has its own vital role to play in servicing the myriad connectivity needs of consumers across the country,” Sunil added.

Vodafone also announced that its customers in Kochi can get an instant SIM swap at all available Vodafone stores and choose retail outlets in the city in order to make a request for a 4G SIM through the call centre or SMS. Through this, they can avail same day door-step delivery of postpaid 4G SIMs.

Here is a reason behind the company’s focus on Kerala is that over the past one and half years, Vodafone has invested more than Rs. 700 crores in Kerala towards the plan of expanding and modernisation of its network expansion. Currently, Vodafone India also has 303 exclusive retail stores in the Kerala state.