Aircel is planning for commercial launch of its 3G services soon, according to Gurdeep Singh, Chief Operating Officer.
Addressing presspersons here on Tuesday, Mr. Singh said to enable consumers to access and know more about 3G services, the company has set up four experience Aircel 3G zones in Chennai. Launching the 3G experience zone here, actor Suriya made the first 3G video call on Aircel network. “It is truly an amazing experience,” he said.
Mr. Singh said Aircel has become the first telecom service provider to launch 3G experience zone in Chennai, he said. The 3G experience zones would provide hands-on experience for customers on 3G services. Aircel would make available services such as interactive video voice response (IVVR), 3G pocket internet portal and video calls, Mr. Singh said.
The company would invest around $500 million towards offering 3G facilities and an equal amount for expanding 2G services. The data centre in Bangalore would be upgraded to 3G, Mr. Singh said. On the mode of investment, he said “We are well funded”. The investment would be met through borrowing and shareholders equity.
Aircel, a part of Maxis Communications Berhad, Malaysia, is India's fifth largest GSM mobile provider with a subscriber base of over 47 million.
It is now present in 23 telecom circles.
