Unfazed by the ongoing investigations into alleged 2G spectrum scam, global telecommunications major Etisalat is committed towards its Indian operations.
Besides expanding its network and building infrastructure in India, the UAE-based company, currently present in 18 countries with almost 14-crore subscribers, is planning to build 4G mobile broadband network using LTE (Long-Term Evolution) technology to tap fast-growing data market in the country.
“We are planning deployment of 4G mobile network using LTE technology to become a major broadband service provider in the country. We have already started giving this service in the Gulf nations, while testing is on for our Africa operations. In India too we will deploy it to deliver highly efficient broadband data services,” Etisalat's Group Chief Technology Officer Amaru Chavez told this correspondent.
Etisalat, which did not bid in last year's high-value auction for 3G and BWA spectrum, sees to take the 4G route to offer better voice and data services, besides tapping specialised telecom services to industry and corporate sector. “Consumer demand for broadband services and capacity continues to accelerate and only technologies which are scalable will be able to support the future demand for online content such as video, social media, gaming and business services,” he said. Mr. Chavez, who is personally monitoring deployment of Etisalat's telecom infrastructure in India that is world's fastest growing mobile and data market, says the advantages that LTE provides over 3G and fibre technologies is that it is a more efficient technology with high scalability.
