Idea to launch its own TV, Chat, video service by FY18

In a bid to overcome threat from Reliance Jio, telecom operator Idea Cellular will start its own digital services including Idea TV, Idea Videos, Idea Chat and storage starting current fiscal.

The company, in an investor presentation, said it plans to launch Idea Games, Idea Videos, Idea Music and Idea Chat in January-March 2017 period.

It has plans to launch Idea TV, Idea News and Magazines and Idea Storage next financial year.

Its competitor Jio is already offering a range of services.

Even incumbent operator Bharti Airtel has music and on-demand video service under 'Wynk' application.

Idea said it has plans to become pan-India 3G and 4G service provider. The company will require these services across India for ubiquitous experience of customers.

At present, Idea has 3G spectrum in 13 circles and 4G service capabilities in 11 circles.

Idea submitted application to bid for spectrum in auction scheduled to star from October 1.

The company said its present high speed data network covers 400 million Indians and plans to reach 500 million by March 2017.

Idea said that it has rolled out mobile broadband network in 34,000 sites in FY16 and plans a roll out 35,000 sites for high speed data services on mobile phones in FY17.

The company is planning to roll out one lakh mobile sites with capability to deliver high speed broadband services.