Bharti Airtel, India’s largest mobile provider by subscribers, has launched commercial 4G LTE services in Assam, with the network going live in the cities Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. The firm is rolling out the time division duplex LTE (TD-LTE) network using 2300MHz spectrum, but notes that it will also deploy frequency division duplex LTE (FDD-LTE) technology in the 1800MHz band in the coming weeks to boost mobile broadband experience for customers. Airtel launched India’s first LTE network in Kolkata in April 2012 and its 4G services are now available in parts of all 22 circles across the country.
The launch is part of Project Leap, Airtel’s INR600 billion (USD8.75 billion) national network transformation programme, which is aimed at improving network quality and delivering the best customer experience. ‘We are absolutely delighted to launch our 4G services in Assam starting with the towns of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia,’ commenting on the launch, Sameer Anjaria, CEO of Airtel North Eastern States and Assam, said: ‘Our valued customers can now upgrade to 4G, free of cost and enjoy a high speed mobile broadband experience on the Airtel network. With the launch, customers can also look forward to exciting data offers, and choose from a host of affordable tariff plans that offer great value.’