Bharti Airtel selects Nokia Siemens Networks to build, operate network in Maharashtra

Bharti Airtel, India's largest telecom operator by subscribers, has selected Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) to build and operate its TD-LTE (time division duplex long term evolution) network in Maharashtra.

The announcement came soon after telecom minister Kapil Sibal announced that the country might auction 4G spectrum (fourth generation) by the end of this year. (See: India to auction 4G spectrum by the end of this year)

TD-LTE is a 4G mobile broadband technology that delivers instant internet access and can support video streaming and high-definition videoconferencing.

The launch of commercial TD-LTE services later this year will provide the company's subscribers in Maharashtra, which is one of the largest telecom circles in the country, bandwidth-intensive applications, with more consistent network coverage and faster response times, the company said in a statement.

Bharti Airtel will deploy its TD-LTE network in the 2.3 GHz frequency band allocated by the Indian government for broadband wireless access (BWA) technologies.

''LTE provides ultra high speed data access, in conjunction with 3G, this will lead the data revolution and drive fundamental changes in individual lifestyles, businesses and the society at large. We look forward to the advent of 4G technology which will be launched in India at the same time, as the rest of the world,'' Sanjay Kapoor, Chief Executive Officer Bharti Airtel (India & South Asia) said.