Following Vodafone’s acquisition of HEL, the new entity is plan ning to invest $400 million for setting up a national fibre optic cable network for routing its mobile STD traffic.

Following Vodafone’s acquisition of HEL, the new entity is planning to invest $400 million for setting up a national fibre optic cable network for routing its mobile STD traffic. The project details will be finalised once Vodafone acquires majority ownership in HEL. The move is in line with HEL’s aim to become a national integrated telecom player like Bharti Airtel, BSNL and RCL. Meanwhile, Vodafone plans to invest $1.5 billion in 2007 to roll out its cellular network in India. The company, which is geared up to accelerate its investment over the next few years, will spend up to 50 per cent of its revenues on capital expenditure. Apart from taking its network to rural areas, Vodafone is also planning to introduce its low-cost handset in the second half of 2007.