RCOM to use EVDO-3G combo for pan-India presence

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Reliance Communication (RCOM) who has won 3G spectrum waves in 13 circles will use EVDO service of its CDMA network to facilitate pan-India 3G service to its customer.

“3G users are initially going to be in metro circles and in all three metro circles we have won the bid. For services in other circles, we have mobile broadband plus in our CDMA network, which we will use for facilitating 3G experience to our client across country. At the same time we are looking at other opportunities in market,” said Mahesh Prasad, president, Reliance Communications in a brief interaction with CIOL at the sidelines of  announcing collaboration with Nokia.

RCOM has won 3G spectrum in 13 circles for Rs 8585.04 crore. The company has pan- India license for CDMA and GSM service.

Prasad added that if spectrum is allocated to the company as per government on 1st September then RCOM will launch 3G services by the end of this year or early next year.

“We need to upgrade our network which will take time. For this year we have already marked capex expansion of Rs 3000 crore,” said Prasad.

He sees no repercussions of security concern in the launch of 3G services.

“Security norms have to be met. We don’t see any reason that will delay launch of 3G services. Security norms are there for 2G services as well, which all operators have to meet,” noted Prasad.

Recently Ministry of Home Affairs has raised concern of video call service being provided by BSNL and MTNL. MHA has also asked Department of Telecom to allow 3G service only if proper interception mechanism is in place.

As per DoT sources, MHA has asked MTNL and BSNL to install video call decoder on their end as well as provide same for security agencies to which both the companies have agreed. These decoders will be installed for live monitoring by security agencies at the expense of telecom service provider. 

Prasad also said that RCOM will have no problem in complying with directions that will be given to the company by the government and will install decoder for security agencies if asked to do so.

“We will do it. There are no issues. We will comply with whatever government says. Security need should be met,” said Prasad.