Airtel set to roll 4G services

Bharti Airtel Ltd is set to launch fourth generation (4G) technology based services and is believed to become the first operator in the country to do so. It has selected ZTE Corporation ("ZTE") to plan, design, supply and deploy its 4G network in Kolkata.  The forthcoming launch of 4G services, is believed to allow Bharti Airtel subscribers to experience, high speed wireless internet access that can support bandwidth intensive applications, support video streaming and high-definition video conferencing.

Sanjay Kapoor, CEO - India & SAARC, Bharti Airtel said, "The Company will launch its Long Term Evolution Time Division Duplex (LTE-TDD - a 4G technology) network in Kolkata later this month."

Cui Liangjun, Chief Executive Officer, ZTE India said, "We are glad to be a part of Airtel’s foray into LTE services for the first time in India. ZTE is fully determined to build a strong LTE ecosystem that offers a scintillating experience for Internet users."

Bharti has claimed to won broadband spectrum in four circles: Punjab, Maharashtra, Kolkata and Karnataka. China's ZTE Corp is said to be the network vendor partner for the Kolkata circle. Bharti had earlier awarded the Maharashtra circle deal to Nokia Siemens Networks. The operator is also planning to launch LTE in Pune in Maharashtra, Chandigarh in Punjab and Bangalore in Karnataka soon.