mobile-services

Airtel is in talks with major mobile handset manufacturers to launch the 3G-enabled handsets below the price of $100 or Rs. 4500 . The penetration of 3G-enabled handsets is currently very low in India. The 3G spectrum was auctioned few months ago and after that many telecom operators have launched their 3G services. But, the growth of 3G has been hindered because of high prices of 3G-enabled mobile handsets. “We see that it (price) is a barrier to the spread of 3G . We think that by bringing it down, we could give a boost to the spread of 3G. We further foresee a breakthrough when it breaches the $50-mark,” Mr Atul Mohan Bindal, President (Mobile Services), Airtel, told Business Line . However, he refused to divulge the names of the companies it was talking to. Airtel , which launched 3G services last month, has 20 lakh subscribers in the third-generation telecom network. In the 3G auction , Airtel has received spectrum in 13 circles out of the 22. It has launched services in Delhi and the NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysore, Manipal, Udipi and Jaipur so far. But, I doubt if the lowering costs of handsets will really help in adoption of 3G. There are already quite a few handsets below Rs. 4500 like Nokia C2-01 or Samsung Hero E3210 .The main factor that keeps consumers away from 3G is not the handset prices, but the astronomical tariff rates of 3G services. Showcase Your Digital Work Here! Win An Award! Log onto WATAwards Related Posts Get ready for the Internet TV in India, courtesy Airtel Airtel Clocks 0.5 Million 3G Users In A Month Airtel launches “One Number, One Voice” service to enhance user experience Airtel And Uninor Join The Cricket Bandwagon With Special Offers Telcos Look To Cash In On World Cup Buzz With Various Offers