With an eye towards launching 3G services, several leading operators have or are in the process of inking partnerships. In so far, only Reliance Communications and Tata Teleservices Limited have launched 3G services.
For instance, it is believed that Aircel and TTSL are negotiating for a pan-India partnership to utilise the others? 3G airwaves. Both these companies jointly have 3G frequencies in all circles except Delhi, Mumbai and Himachal Pradesh.
Similarly, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Essar and Idea Cellular are also finalising their 3G alliance. Bharti Airtel and Reliance Communications (RCOM) won spectrum in 13 of the 22 telecom circles, while Vodafone Essar, Idea Cellular, Aircel and TTSL won a total of 9, 11, 13 and 9 circles, respectively.
Bharti, Vodafone and Idea Cellular jointly hold 3G spectrum in all circles except Orissa. Further, TTSL is also exploring the possibility of a 3G roaming deal with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), which has 3G spectrum in all circles except Delhi and Mumbai.
Prior to this, BSNL planned to invite bids from operators to share its 3G spectrum. The incumbent hoped to net between Rs 25 billion and Rs 50 billion over five years by inking roaming arrangements with two private players.
BSNL has 3G spectrum in all circles except Delhi and Mumbai. It had to pay over Rs 100 billion in order to match the bids by private operators.
