Wireless Networks

Airtel gets aggressive with Indian 4G launch plans and tariffs

Indian market leader Bharti Airtel is extending its 4G coverage in India from the current 45 cities to a further 296 urban areas across the next month.

The deployment is intended to provide it with a head start on rival Reliance Jio Infocomm, which has postponed its 4G launch – originally planned for June – until the end of the year.

Airtel is providing 4G services at the same rates as its current 3G services, with the lowest tariffs beginning at INR25 ($0.39). The operator offers 4G services in 14 of India’s 22 telecom circles, with 4G connections making up around 400,000 of its 230 million connections.

Market newcomer Jio has stated that the delay of its originally scheduled deployment is to allow for an “extensive beta launch”. However, it may be hit with penalties for missing its projected launch date. The operator has the advantage of being the only private firm to hold broadband wireless spectrum in all 22 circles.

Major players Vodafone and Idea Cellular are also lining up 4G services, although while Vodafone is aiming to launch by year-end, Idea’s services are scheduled for deployment in 2016. Vodafone is attempting to combat Airtel’s low 4G tariffs by providing double the amount of 3G data in Mumbai for the same price – essentially slashing prices by 50%.



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