Jio WiFi zones to help cut 4G congestion

KOLKATA: Reliance Jio’s mobile users will soon be able to make voice calls and access data over their nearest Jio WiFi network with VoLTE smartphones, courtesy a software developed by Sterlite Technologies, that will also sharply reduce the load and congestion levels on the Mukesh Ambani-led telco’s 4G network.
Homegrown data networks solutions provider Sterlite Technologies (STL) has developed a software that enables routing or ‘offloading’ Jio’s 4G mobile traffic to the nearest Jio WiFi zones, which would be particularly handy in areas experiencing network congestion and patchy mobile connectivity, a person with direct knowledge told ET.

Deployment of Sterlite’s WiFi offloading solution, he said, is likely to sharply cut Jio’s network load and enable the telecom market leader to optimally use its 4G spectrum resources, especially as it is adding around 25 million subscribers every quarter. “We do not name customers, and let them (instead) determine when to deploy a solution and communicate that to the market,” said an STL spokeswoman in a written response to ET’s queries.

ET’s queries to Jio remained unanswered. Financial details of the Jio-Sterlite Tech network software deployment deal were not known at press time.

Jio though is believed to have tested STL’s WiFi offload solution in key markets even as it readies to roll out around 1.5 million WiFi zones or ‘hotspots’ across India near housing complexes, stadiums, schools, colleges, public parks, bus stops, government buildings and tourism spots to provide backup WiFi support to its rapidly growing mobile user base.

Jio’s massive WiFi deployment comes in the aftermath of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) having already tweaked licence conditions last year, allowing telcos to allot a single mobile number for both cellular mobile services and internet telephony.

Experts though said reducing 4G network load is a key element of Jio’s WiFi push for unlocking spectrum usage efficiencies, especially with 4G data consumption likely to grow sharply in the coming months.