Viom Networks is planning to set up 1,000-1,500 mobile towers in 2015 at an investment of Rs 1.5 billion. The cost per tower is expected to between Rs 1.2 million and Rs 1.5 million. The company?s plans come on account of the growing demand for towers resulting from the growth in data services and launch of 4G services.
As per the company, the new towers are set to consist of a mixture of urban in-fills (small cells between two larger ones), rural lit-anchor ones (that require less space with high profitability) and conventional ground sites. Further, the funding of new tower additions is set to be mostly executed through internal accruals.
Viom has also contended that it is yet to take a final decision on its public listing plans. However, the company will list its equity shares on the Indian bourses rather than foreign stock exchanges as planned earlier. In addition, the company is considering an option of bringing in a new investor. At present, Srei Infrastructure holds over 18 per cent stake in Viom; Tata Teleservices Limited holds over 54 per cent stake and the remaining is held by PE investors, including IDFC Private Equity, SBI Macquarie, Oman Investment Fund and GIC of Singapore.
