Reliance launches 3G in India

Indian carrier Reliance Communications on Monday announced the launch of 3G services in the metro regions of Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chandigarh. The company aims to launch services in all 13 circles where it holds 3G licences by the end of 2011.

Reliance rolled out 3G services within around 100 days of receiving spectrum in some of the major urban areas in India. The carrier claims to offer blanket coverage in every town specified with all 3G sites connected through fibre optic IP backhaul to provide maximum download speeds and minimum latency. The network is capable of peak speeds up to 28Mbps and will deliver services including video calling, mobile TV, video streaming and applications.

Nokia will provide devices; Facebook, Nokia and Ericsson will offer applications; Universal Music will deliver content; and Motricity will run Reliance’s web portal.

“The launch of Reliance 3G is an integral part of our Vision 2015 of creating a “Wirefree India” built upon the ‘affordable 3G for All’ platform,” said Syed Safawi, CEO of the wireless business at Reliance Communications.

In May 2010, Reliance Communications won spectrum in 13 telecom circles, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya, Pradesh, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, North East, Jammu & Kashmir, Orissa and Assam.