More 3G mobile networks come to India with MTNL and Alcatel-Lucent

 

There were several 3G announcements for the Indian market today - all connected with Alcatel-Lucent. The city of Mumbai will be seeing long awaited 3G service from Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) in assocation with Alcatel-Lucent. At the same time, the company announced it has been chosen by  Indian wireless operator Unitech Wireless to create GSM/EDGE networks in Kerala and Orissa circles.

There have been issues with the leasing of the 3G spectrum in India, but the government-owned MTNL has been able to launch services in many of India’s major cities. The 3G service announced for Mumbai should have see speeds of 2mbps, with services like video call, video on demand, mobile surveillance, live TV and movie downloads initially supported.

For Unitech, Alcatel-Lucent will be pretty much be setting up the entire infrastructure of their GMS/EDGE network - from design and testing through to installation and management.

From the release:

“We thank Unitech Wireless for their confidence and are looking forward to strengthen our ongoing partnership as we deploy, maintain, manage and grow their network”, said Vivek Mohan, Managing Director, Alcatel-Lucent India. “Our leadership in the rapid delivery of the latest generation of GSM/EDGE radio solutions, and ability to provide quick and seamless support for future evolutions to 3G and beyond, puts us in a unique position to support Unitech Wireless’ ambitious rollout plans.”

“We look forward to launching our services in Kerala & Orissa and meeting the growing demand for mobile services in India. We are confident that their solution and local services capabilities makes Alcatel-Lucent a good choice for Unitech Wireless,” said Rohit Chandra, COO Unitech Wireless.