In a move to ensure quality support for the next phase of its roll-out programme, India’s Fourth Generation (4G) or Long Term Evolution (LTE) connectivity, Reliance Jio has struck a deal worth € 7 million with Saft for its technologically advancedEvolion lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery systems.
Being the only pan-India 4G/LTE operator, Reliance Jio is pulling all strings to provide a strong network system to its potential users.
Reliance Jio is known to have availed of Saft’sEvolion systems earlier too, through orders worth a total sum of €50 million in the years 2013 and 2014. The aforementioned order comes in the light of these past successful dealings.
Reliable power backups with Evolion batteries
These batteries from Saft will function as power backups at the 16,000 plus Base Transceiver Station (BTS) sites for 4G/LTE services spread all over India, in the event of disruption or failure of the central power channel. This enables Reliance Jio Infocomm to provide uninterrupted network connectivity and availability to its users.
The vast scale of variations in geographical and climatic conditions across India generally poses severe technical challenges to the functionality of battery systems. As such, RJIL has opted for the Evolion battery system, as it is known to perform under high temperatures ranging between 40○C and 75 ○C and also under humid conditions. This makes it apt for RJIL’s telecom installations, upholding their durability and functioning. An added advantage of Evolion is its compact size. With half the size of a regular telecom battery system and carrying one fourth of its weight, it is easily portable and makes for convenient handling and installation.
Order based on past success
Speaking on the service quality of its battery system and the deal with Reliance Jio, General Manager Xavier Delacroix of Saft’s Industrial Battry Group, highlighted the benefits of the Evolion batteries and their role in enhancing the quality of telecom services with improved power backups. He also expressed with the company’s delight at its prolonged association with Reliance Jio Infocomm.
The Evolion battery systems are scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2015 in addition to which Saft will also be providing life cycle support services covering the entire installed base.
Reliance Jio Plans an Integrated 4G launch
With these high quality power backups in place, Reliance Jio is gearing for the launch of its 4G network services through an integrated system, this year.
The company has issued a statement announcing its plans to roll out “seamless 4G services using LTE (long term evolution) in 800MHz, 1800MHz and 2300 MHz bands through an integrated ecosystem.”
Currently the only private company with Broadband Wireless Access spectrum to the 22 telecom circles in India, Reliance Jio had acquired the spectrum in 1800MHz for 14 circles across India in 2014. In March 2015, it gained access to the spectrum in 800MHz and 1800MHz for 13 circles throughout India.
According to a company statement, Reliance Jio Infocomm, hopes to provide reliable high speed internet connectivity with easy access to digital content to the highly under-serviced Indian Market.
RJIL plans to begin providing 4G services to its users in phases from 2015.