While 3G spectrum in Punjab is owned by Idea Cellular, Airtel and Vodafone can use it under 3G intra circle roaming agreement.
"Idea is the only pan-India GSM operator to offer 3G services in Punjab. Idea's 3G services will offer enhanced user experience to subscribers, allowing them to stream audio and video files at high speed...Watch movies, mobile TV and play HD Games," Idea Cellular's Chief Operating Officer (Punjab, J&K and HP) Sudhir Pradhan said at the launch.
Vodafone also said that it has launched the third generation services in the state.
Starting from Chandigarh, Nawanshahr, Jagraon, Malerkotla, Nabha and Ludhiana, Idea will expand its 3G network to cover 170 towns across the state with 1800 3G cell sites by the end of financial year 2015.
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Idea Cellular has 3G spectrum in 11 telecom circles, Airtel has in 13 circles and Vodafone in 9 service areas.
The trio have signed 3G intra-circle roaming agreement under which they can provide 3G services even in those area where they did not win spectrum by using each others spectrum.
These companies including Idea recently won more spectrum using which they can provide 4G services as well.
"Our recent spectrum win in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz band has now given us the ability to further expand our 3G network, and launch 4G services in key revenue markets including Punjab, at an appropriate juncture," Idea Cellular Chief Operating Officer, Corporate, P Lakshminarayana said.
The company has plans of introducing a range 3G devices like dongles and smartphones in Punjab.