Qualcomm to launch 3G services in India
Looks like everybody is waiting for TRAI to announce the 3G policy/service details.
Qualcomm is planning to launch couple of 3G services in India – an Internet access device @ Rs. 8K, USB port (for wireless connection) @ Rs. 3.5K and is in talks with Indian mobile operators to launch carrier branded 3G handsets.
Apart from Qualcomm, Airtel too is working on 3G offerings, but DoT seems to be more inclined to give 3G spectrum to state owned BSNL and MTNL (preferential treatment ?).
In November 2007, the Department of Telecom (DoT) decided that it would auction the 3G and WiMAX Spectrum. For 3G, the Indian government allocated 30 MHz of bandwidth in the 2100 MHz band. Therefore, there will be three or six licenses released dependent on the government’s decision on whether 5 MHz or 10 MHz will be given to each license holder. The government also decided to auction three WiMAX licenses in the 2.5 GHz band with 10 MHz each.- source
Get ready for another dogfight as both CDMA and GSM players have got in the ring!
» Complete coverage of Indian Telecom Industry
Qualcomm is betting big on India story and has plans to invest in startups as well.
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About the author - Ashish Sinha is a Startup Mentor/Product Strategy Coach, and the founder/chief editor of pluGGd.in.
He has launched/managed couple of products (consumer as well as enterprise) in US and India, and now consults with startups/small businesses on their product/media strategy. He can be reached at: ashish (at) pluGGd.in [+91 98452 06443]
With 3G services we could experience the super fast GPRS services and it should be affordable to every common man’s need!
I am not sure , why is it taking such a long time, is it due to infrastructure [i guess] or a lobbying process?
3G could change the way we look at things, imagine GPRS is affordable to students, housewife and to everyone.
FYI : BSNL Cellone services provides GPRS @ 200 Rs/ unlimited data transfer
Vodaphone and Airtel are getting there acts together with a 250 Rs/unlimited plan by june-july!
India is definitely shining!
[...] April 28, 2008, sri comment: With 3G services we could experience the super fast GPRS services and it should be affordable to every common man’s need! [...]
[...] Qualcomm to launch 3G services in India [...]