Bharti Airtel has selected Nokia Siemens Networks to build and operate its TD-LTE (time division duplex long term evolution) network in Maharashtra.
TD-LTE is a 4G mobile broadband technology that delivers instant internet access and can support video streaming and high-definition video conferencing.
The launch of commercial TD-LTE services later this year will offer Bharti Airtel subscribers in Maharashtra a much improved experience when using bandwidth-intensive applications, with more consistent network coverage and faster response times (low latency).
Airtel will deploy its TD-LTE network in the 2.3 GHz frequency band allocated by the Indian government for broadband wireless access technologies.
Nokia Siemens Networks was one of the first companies to successfully demonstrate TD-LTE on 2.3 GHz spectrum in India using commercial hardware at its Bengaluru R&D facility in October 2010.
The rapid strides in TD-LTE by India and China are helping drive its momentum, making it attractive for operators in other markets too. In India, where fixed broadband penetration is below 1%, operators are aiming to complement 3G with TD-LTE.
