Bharti Airtel gears up for 3G roll out

NEW DELHI, INDIA: India's telecom giant Bharti Airtel Monday said it has selected Ericsson India, Nokia Siemens Networks and Huawei Technologies as network partners to launch 3G services in India.

These companies will plan and deploy high speed packet access (HSPA)-enabled 3G equipment and network in Bharti Airtel's 3G licence circles to support world class user data speeds and enhanced mobile broadband user experience.

HSPA enables high peak user throughputs which are multiple times higher than those supported in current 2G networks.

Ericsson bagged seven of Bharti's 3G licence circles and with this, the company continues to be Bharti's largest network partner across 2G (second generation) and 3G circles in the country.

Nokia Siemens networks and Huawei technologies will both manage the operator's network in three circles each across the country.

"The offerings will be specifically targeted towards mobile broadband, given the enhanced speed and user experience which the 3G technology enables. The partners will play a catalyst role in enhancing the customer experience and the data usage habits in the country," the company said in a statement.

This deployment would enable Bharti Airtel extend its leadership position in the Indian market and meet the growing demand for high speed surfing and wireless entertainment in the country.

Bharti Airtel paid $2.6 billion for 13 circles in the auction for 3G spectrum licence which ended on May 18, 2010.