Reliance Communications, India's largest integrated telecom operator (GSM and CDMA) is now making a fast progress towards readying itself for the 3G-GSM led opportunities.
Moving up the ladder, in an all India bid for 3G spectrum, the company has won 13 circles including the metros of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata and is the only operator without capacity constraints on 2G in these circles. This advantage puts it in a unique position to offer an excellent 3G user experience.
As part of its 3G readiness plan, RCOM has established a fully-integrated 3G Innovation Lab with end-to-end wireless network infrastructure. This Innovation Lab will be an integral part of RCOM’s 3G operations offering real-time product developmental capabilities and time-to-market equation benefits to RCOM.The 3G Innovation Lab will be in line with RCOM’s strategic focus to encourage innovations in mobile technologies.
The objective of the Innovation Lab is to facilitate the development of mobile service innovations through collaboration with 3rd party developers. In simple terms, RCOM will provide its world class infrastructure capabilities and the 3G Innovation Lab platform to various partners to jointly develop applications for consumers.
RCOM’s 3G Innovation Lab will involve a community of content developers, product innovators, technology platforms enablers, device manufactures and OEMs. The collaborative unit will be formed through tie ups with top local as well as Global partners who will further aid in improvising the innovation quotient.
The Lab is a move towards the ‘Open Platforms’ architecture which encompass open systems, open networks, democratic framework for partners & consumers for availability of the best products based on the consumer’s usage. The Lab is established at Reliance ADA Group’s Headquarters in Dhirubhai Ambani Knowledge City, near Mumbai.
In order to take its 3G plans forward, RCOM has appointed Mr Prashant Gokarn as Head – 3G. Prashant was earlier involved in 3G roll out in several countries and has worked in companies like Spectrum, Anderson Consulting and S2T. Following his new mandate, he has moved to 3G business with immediate effect. Prashant Gokarn will also be a key member of RCOM’s Wireless Management Board, providing further impetus to the overall Leadership team in the company.
RCOM has also roped in Google's former Head of Wireless Business Mr Suresh Jayaraju as Head-New Age VAS. Suresh brings with him a rich experience of over 14 years managing internet, media, and mobile technologies. Prior to joining RCOM, his other assignments were with Tech Mahindra, OnMobile Systems Inc and Rediff.com. At RCOM, Suresh will report to Prashant Gokarn.
Commenting on RCOM’s 3G Innovation Lab, Mr Prashant Gokarn, Head – 3G Business, Reliance Communications said, “Our 3G Innovation Lab will drive all 3G innovations for mobile as well as other platforms. It will aid in demystifying 3G technology and make it simpler for adoption amongst cross-section of customer groups.”
