Airtel to shut 3G service as 4G business gets stronger

NEW DELHI: Airtel has determined to bring down the curtains on its 3G provider — once hailed as the fastest for information downloads — with high-speed 4G provider increasingly defining the cell ecosystem across the nation.

The proliferation of highly-affordable 4G devices is another reason that is forcing the transition, which might be made over the following few years. Also driving the trade is stiff festival from new entrants reminiscent of Reliance Jio which is a 4G-only provider, promising quicker downloads to users.

Gopal Vittal, CEO of Airtel's India operations, mentioned investments in 3G are being scaled down and the corporate is now running on strategies to re-farm the 3G spectrum (2,100 MHz) for 4G provider.

However, the 2G community — used mostly for voice operations — will nonetheless live on longer. "3G network will be shut down faster than 2G," Vittal mentioned, an afternoon after the corporate reported a 77% decline in net profit however an over 300% surge in information utilization in keeping with subscriber.

He mentioned there may be nonetheless a big population in the nation that makes use of characteristic telephones. A majority of the low-priced devices, especially in smaller towns and rural spaces, are 2G telephones.


Once 3G used to be the most-coveted provider for information and cell firms went over the top while bidding for two,100 MHz spectrum, on which the provider used to be introduced. This used to be glaring in the 2010 spectrum auctions, which raked in record revenues for the telecom department.


However, issues have modified hastily with the appearance of 4G over last 365 days or so, prompting firms to modify track and improve quicker. 4G costs also are on the identical degree as 3G price lists. Vittal mentioned the corporate will build capacities for 4G at the 2,100-MHz spectrum.


With firms eyeing 4G subscribers with inexpensive bundled provides, the location is converting rapid. Jio has pop out with a Rs 1,500 4G characteristic phone that promises free calling and likely information advantages to consumers at a nominal tariff plan. Moreover, the customer can search refund for money paid for the tool after three years.


Airtel has additionally tied up with home-grown tool maker Karbonn for a low-cost smartphone, and others reminiscent of Vodafone and Idea Cellular also are expected to practice suit.
Airtel to shut 3G service as 4G business gets stronger Airtel to shut 3G service as 4G business gets stronger Reviewed by Kailash on November 02, 2017 Rating: 5
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