Airtel to launch VoLTE later this year
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India’s Bharti Airtel has announced plans to launch VoLTE services later this year to counter new market entrant Reliance Jio Infocomm.
Airtel is trialing VoLTE in five cities and plans to become the second operator in the nation after Reliance Jio to launch the technology.
The launch could potentially allow Airtel to better compete against Reliance Jio’s strategy of offering free voice calls and only charging for data. The entry of Jio into the market has triggered a price war and compelled the nation’s operators to pursue consolidation in response.
Airtel CEO Gopal Vittal detailed the company’s VoLTE plans at an event announcing the launch of Project Next, its latest initiative aimed at improving the customer experience.
As part of the new project, Airtel has introduced a data rollover program enabling customers to carry over up to 200GB of data left unused in the previous month.
The new initiative will also include improvements to the operator’s app, website and in-store experience, including the Family Promise program designed to allow postpaid customers to develop multiple customized plans for each family member over the MyAirtel app, enabling savings of up to 20%.
Airtel revealed plans to invest up to 20 billion rupees ($309.8 million) on Project Next, and through the program aims to transform into a truly digital service provider.
Questions & Answers
Q.Why is Airtel launching VoLTE services?
Why is Airtel launching VoLTE services?
Airtel is launching VoLTE to better compete against Reliance Jio Infocomm. Jio's entry has caused a price war, and VoLTE could help Airtel counter Jio's strategy of offering free voice calls and only charging for data.
Q.What is Project Next and what does it involve?
What is Project Next and what does it involve?
Project Next is Airtel's new initiative to improve customer experience, costing 20 billion rupees. It includes a data rollover program, improvements to their app, website and in-store experience, and a Family Promise program for customised family plans.
Q.What is the aim of Airtel's Project Next initiative?
What is the aim of Airtel's Project Next initiative?
Airtel aims to transform into a truly digital service provider through Project Next. The initiative is also designed to improve the overall customer experience across various touchpoints and service offerings.
Q.Which other operator has already launched VoLTE services in India?
Which other operator has already launched VoLTE services in India?
Reliance Jio Infocomm is the only other operator in India to have launched VoLTE services. Airtel plans to become the second provider to offer this technology to its customers.