Reliance Communications has signed an agreement with Aircel and Tata Teleservices to offer 3G network to its customers across India. The tripartite contract allows each of these carriers to provide 3G internet access to their loyal subscribers in each other’s territories.
None of these network operators have 3G coverage in all of the 22 circles of India. A report on The Hindu reveals that Reliance Communications has the spectrum in as many as 13 circles in the country. These include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Assam, North East, Jammu & Kashmir.
In the rest of the areas, such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and UP East, Aircel has acquired the 3G spectrum, whereas Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana and UP West are areas where Tele Teleservices offer this mobile data speed. So under the contract, RCom customers will have the liberty to use 3G in these areas while roaming, using the partner operators’ services. Thus Reliance will now offer 3G in all circles in the country when roaming, in addition to its own regions.
And as far as Aircel and Tata are concerned, their customers can expect Reliance to offer them 3G access in two of the most expensive circles in India, that is, Delhi and Mumbai. So customers of these carriers roaming in either of these regions can make the most of the said speed even though the service providers do not have spectrum here.
Thus, Reliance Communications, Aircel and Tata Teleservices will be able to offer 3G access to their customers even when roaming in India in select regions, thanks to this contract.