• Delhi Gets 3G via MTNL

    Delhi Gets 3G via MTNL

    Pankhuri Bajaj, Dec 11, 2008 1457 hrs IST

    India is finally on the 3G map of the world as MTNL kick-started 3G services today.

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After much postponement, India is finally on the 3G map of the world as Mahanagar Telecom Nigam Limited (MTNL) kick-started 3G services in Delhi today.

The state-owned telecom operator even has a name for the new service, and it's not mere 'MTNL 3G.' They've christened it as (c'mon, hold your breath!) MTNL 3G Jadoo.

In case you're wondering, we're not kidding about the name.

This being a soft-launch of 3G Jadoo, initially, only some parts of Delhi would have access to the service. Currently, the areas being covered are: Connaught Place, Sanchar Bhawan, Rajaji Marg, India Gate, Pragati Maidan, Delhi Gate, and Minto Road.

So, if you have a phone that supports 3G, and needless to say, an MTNL connection with GPRS activation, take a walk around the areas listed and see if the 'E' or 'G' (that denotes connectivity) on your phone turns to 3.5G!

In case you're curious to know about the speeds being offered, connect your phone to your notebook to find out.

MTNL is not charging extra for the service introduced today as it wants its customers to get a feel of 3G's capabilities. Eventually, there will be a commercial tariff plan announced, and the registration will start after the commercial launch -- a couple of months from now.

Mumbai too will have a similar soft-launch for MTNL's 3G services two months hence, says J. Gopalan, executive director, MTNL (Mumbai).

He adds, "The first phase would include trial services to be offered in areas between the Airport and Prabhadevi. The second phase would include South Bombay."

State-owned telecom operators MTNL and BSNL have the first-mover advantage to offer 3G services in India. With Delhi services commencing today, Mumbai will follow suit in two months' time. Chennai too will get to experience 3G services in January 2009 through BSNL.

Sooner or later (MTNL plans to offer 3G services across India by mid-2009), our countrymen will be able to surf the internet with speeds up to 2Mbps on their smart phones.

MTNL will be installing 15 lakh 3G lines in the first phase of its 3G roll-out in Mumbai and Delhi (which currently have 35 lakh existing mobile lines).

Now that it's finally happening, if you live in Delhi or Mumbai, do you plan to get yourself an MTNL connection just to get a taste of high-speed internet on your smartphone?

Related Links:

BSNL to Bring us iPhone 3G. With 3G
HTC Launches Touch 3G in India
3G Gets Delayed; Limits Players

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Discussion Board
(6) Comments
Tarun
,Mumbai, on Jan 05, 2009 03:55 AM
MTNL Mumbai launching 3G from 26 January MTNL Mumbai will launching the 3G services from Republic day-January 26,over their GSM mobile service Dolphin and Trump. The area to be covered during the first phase of the launch will be from the International Airport to Prabhadevi(MTNL HQ) and will be expanded to the most parts of the city by February end. Stay tuned for the pricing and other details first only on www.mtnlmobileclub.com
Srivatsa
,Bangalore, on Dec 17, 2008 07:43 PM
MTNL says its going to rollout 3G services all over INDIA by mid-2009? does this mean it starts 3G services in Karnataka and hence Bangalore , apart from BSNL..????
Pankaj kumar
,noida - 201301, on Dec 12, 2008 10:48 PM
I possess Dolphin & Trump and MTNL landline. Kindly advise how and when I can have 3G connectivity and how I will be better off from my current connection. What are the formalities. Is it an automatic shift or I will have to give you my consent.
Manju Lata Sriv
,New Delhi, on Dec 12, 2008 02:45 PM
I possess Dolphin & Trump and MTNL landline. Kindly advise how and when I can have 3G connectivity and how I will be better off from my current connection. What are the formalities. Is it an automatic shift or I will have to give you my consent.
anil padhi
,paralakhemundi, on Dec 11, 2008 06:05 PM
why not to lounch 3g in orissa bsnl
powerfunction
,Gurgaon, on Dec 11, 2008 04:39 PM
thats great !

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