Airtel has become the first operator to roll out its next-gen 4G services in Bengaluru and Kolkata and we are expecting more 4G license winners to roll out the services soon.
With this we are now hearing through Business Standard that Aircel who has won 4G licenses in 8 circles is planning to launch its 4G services between October and December.
The LTE TDD 4G service roll-out from Aircel will start with Chennai and other cities of Tamil Nadu and then reach the other 7 circles in a phased manner. Aircel will be investing about $500 million (about Rs 2,757 crore) to bring 4G service to its customers.
One important move by Aircel is that it will not only provide mobile 4G services through dongles and devices but is also planning to get into consumer homes by offering broadband internet, broadcasting, video on demand, education and health care services, among others. It is already working on creating a fibre optic backbone.
Aircel is working on adopting an almost similar strategy akin to that of Reliance Infotel, which is also looking to be an integrated 4G player and hold pan-India license.
So there are still a few months to go until we see Aircel’s 4G services to compete with Airtel’s but we are more excited about Reliance Infotel to launch its services as the pricing is expected to be very much competitive.
The eight circles where Aircel has won 4G licenses are: Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu (including Chennai), West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, North-East, Jammu & Kashmir.
Which 4G service would you opt for later on this year? So let us know.