Vodafone Essar, India’s second-largest telecom service provider, announced that it will invest Rs 2,200 crore to roll out 3G services by the first quarter of 2011. Vodafone has already spent Rs 11,600 crore during the 3G bidding. Vodafone did not disclose its 3G service charges.
Vodafone’s services will be launched in a phased manner starting with a few select cities. Vodafone has acquired 3G spectrum in 10 circles including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh (E) and West Bengal.
As reported last week, Vodafone had selected Nokia Siemens Networks and Ericsson India as partners for its 3G network across the country. The partnership will enable swift 3G deployment, create synergy between GSM and 3G networks, and maintain leading-edge high speed packet access networks in Vodafone’s 3G license circles.
Vodafone is in talks with quality and long-term operators — including Bharti Airtel and Idea Cellular — to offer 3G services in areas where it does not have 3G airwaves. The end objective of these tie-ups will be to allow customers to seamlessly experience 3G across the country, irrespective of whether it is a Vodafone circle or another operator. [source]
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