India, the world’s second most populous country, is set to enjoy the benefits of mobile broadband with TD-LTE technology, but it only a fraction of its 1.1 billion people will have access in the near future. UK-based Augure has partnered with Ericsson to offer 4G services to consumers in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh under its ZOOSH brand.
Under the partnership, Ericsson will provide Augere with an end-to-end TD-LTE solution, including managed services in 14 cities of these two states. The services will start early next year, with a soft launch planned for early Q2 2012.
According to media reports, the first city to get the 4G mobile broadband services early next year will be Bhopal, followed by Indore, Raipur, Gwalior, and Durg. Other cities and towns will get these services thereafter.
LTE enhances the end-user experience and enables the rapid transfer of large amounts of data. This technology will deliver content at speeds of up to 100 MBPS and is also compatible with 3G (CDMA and GSM).
The services will allow consumers to enjoy the benefits of mobile broadband with TD-LTE-enabled 4G speeds to improve user experience of wireless broadband including web, online gaming, video streaming and social networking even while on the move, Ericsson said in a press statement.
“Ericsson is proud to partner with Augere for the introduction of 4G-based TD-LTE services in India. Mobility and broadband are among the main elements of Ericsson’s vision of a Networked Society. With LTE and TD-LTE, the mobile broadband experience will reach the next level. It is exciting to see India, one of the world’s largest telecom markets, planning the next steps for mobile broadband,” Fredrik Jejdling, Head of Ericsson in India said.
Ericsson will plan, design, build, operate, maintain and provide spare-parts management for the 4G network for Augere. The contract includes the supply, installation and commissioning of the network.
“We are delighted to be one of the first wireless broadband service providers to announce our plans for the launch of 4G services in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh,” Augere Wireless Broadband India Private Ltd CEO Lars Stork said.
Apart from Augere, companies like Reliance Industries, Aircel, Tikona Wireless, Airtel, and Qualcomm are the other players in this space. But none of them have announced their plan for a 4G roll-out as yet.
