Idea Cellular, the country's third largest mobile operator today announced the launch of its 'Gold Standard' 3G services in four cities of Gujarat. The third generation of mobile communication systems, 3G, will allow Idea customers in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat and Vadodara to use an extensive range of high-end data services on a wide variety of handsets and other devices.
The telecom operator has simultaneously launched the 3G services in six other cities in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh. According to Navanit Narayan, chief service delivery officer, Idea Cellular, the 3G services will be available in 200 towns by mid April 2011, progressively growing at the rate of 10 towns per day to cover 750 towns by mid 2011, and 4,000 towns by the end of fiscal 2012 across the country. "We will educate customers on 3G services and devices, and support their requirements through an extensive customer service network and special ‘Experience Kiosks’ at select My Idea stores. Our 3G network will cover the industrial and commercial regions, centres of learning, and high potential rural hinterlands where broadband is yet to make a breakthrough," said Narayan, about the launch.
Currently, 10 per cent of Idea's over 86 million subscribers are said to be using 3G enabled handsets. The company expects these users will be the early adopters of 3G services.
After the launch in four towns of Gujarat, Idea Cellular's 3G rollout will grow at a rate of two towns per day in Gujarat to cover 140 towns by May 31, 2011 and eventually 750 towns by March 31, 2012, covering 59 per cent of its subscriber base.
Speaking about the 3G launch in the circle, Arul Bright, Circle Head – Gujarat, Idea Cellular, said, "Idea has constantly endeavoured to empower the rural and semi-urban population of the state by making mobile services available to over 6.7 million subscribers across the length and breadth of Gujarat. Idea's 3G services will now give them an opportunity to experience high-end data services such as video conferencing, IdeaMall application store, mobile TV, video on demand, and high-speed Internet browsing with ease and convenience of use." Idea has spent Rs 1075 crore for the 3G license in Gujarat.