Airtel launches India’s first 4G service

KOLKATA, INDIA: Bharti Airtel, a leading global telecom services provider with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, today launched India’s first 4G service in Kolkata. Airtel has launched the service on a state-of-the-art network based on TD-LTE, making India one of the first countries in the world to commercially deploy this cutting-edge technology.

With this launch, India joins the most advanced telecom markets in the world and marks the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s telecom success story.

Airtel’s 4G (TD-LTE) network was launched by Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Minister of
Communications and Information Technology, Government of India. The launch will trigger a new phase of accelerated equitable and inclusive economic growth through proliferation of broadband services as envisioned by the Hon’ble Minister in the draft National Telecom Policy.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, CMD, Bharti Airtel, said: “Today’s launch is a major milestone for India and Airtel. Over the past 15 years Airtel has been at the forefront of India’s telecom revolution and has set the technology trends in India by aligning with the global standards. We are delighted to now provide leadership in setting the technology standard for 4G services in India by introducing the cutting edge TD-LTE.

“We are confident that others will follow in this direction and participate in our pioneering effort of making TD-LTE the defacto 4G standard in India. I would like to thank all our stakeholders in helping us fulfill the Government’s vision of Broadband on Demand, outlined by the Hon’ble Telecom Minister. I would also like to thank the Government of West Bengal for their support and co-operation that has made this launch possible and once again reiterate our commitment to participate in the development of the state.”

“High speed wireless broadband has the potential to transform India, provide a robust platform for building the country’s digital economy and truly empower people. With one of the largest pools of young population in the world, India will see massive growth in consumption of data and content over mobile devices and proliferation of mobile commerce. I look forward to Airtel playing a pivotal role in shaping this exciting future for India,” Mittal added.

Airtel 4G, besides offering rich content, will allow superfast access to HD video streaming, multiple chatting, instant uploading of photos and much more. It will also
help in bridging the digital divide and add to economic growth in rural areas by enhancing the reach of e-governance, e-health and e-education services.

In 2010, Airtel had successfully bid for BWA license spectrum in Kolkata, Karnataka, Punjab and Maharashtra (excluding Mumbai) circles. It is currently working toward rolling out state-of-the-art networks in circles other than Kolkata.