While RIL (Reliance Industries Limited) proved everyone wrong by not participating in the bid for 2G bid, it once again may seem to be unpredictable with its decision of postponing the 4G rollout by taking sufficient time to strengthen the core team before the launch. Reliance Infotel, the telecom arm of RILensured that it would not rush through the process and would rather focus on providing the best services for which it willrequire a considerable amount of time and efforts.
RIL forayed into the telecom sector with its acquisition of 95% stake in Infotel Broadband and later winning the fourth generation (4G) broadband spectrum PAN India, in June 2010 with an agreement to give out an additional Rs.12,848 crore for the spectrum. The entire contract came with an obligation to roll out the services within five years.
Everybody predicted the behemoth led by MukeshAmbanito participate in the 2G auction, as it was a part of the pre- bid conference and considering the fact that the company will augment its services by bundling data with voice services. By providing voice cum data services, RIL will be able to gain ground and have its hands on a market of $ 8bn revenue.
When asked about the same, an executive who caters to the provision of service to Reliance Infotel claimed that rather than rushing through the process, the company is focusing on strengthening its eco-system for the long-term evolution technology based broadband wireless service. Besides, it has sufficient time to meet the rollout obligation. According to him, the company may, however, proceed for a soft launch of the service, in Delhi and Mumbai next year. The company is done with the process of equipment buying for the installation of 1000 towers and has embarked on site selection.
It is also, at present, laying emphasis on hiring the right people to spearhead the process. SumitChowdhary is the new Chief Information Officer (CIO) who heads the systems, technology and product platform after having a successful stint at IBM where he served as the vice – president and partner. Previously, he also worked with Anil Ambani’s venture, Reliance Communications. The company has also roped in ArvindRao as the Head of Innovation and Platform who was the former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of OnMobile Global.The company has, at present,decided not to reveal its strategies and comments about the recruitment process.