Telecom operators Bharti Airtel and Aircel are planning to leverage their 4G networks to provide impetus to their respective enterprise businesses. The two operators are currently the only providers of 4G services in India. While Airtel provides 4G services to retail consumers, Aircel is offering 4G service only to its enterprise customers in the country.
At present, Airtel is developing last mile enterprise class data applications that can be operated using 4G services. This will allow the company to grow its enterprise business, as it will enable it to cover rural areas as well, enabling last-mile coverage. Aircel, on the other hand, is developing long term evolution (LTE) powered high-speed secure virtual private network (VPN) link for its enterprise users. The company is currently providing 4G LTE services to its large customers in multiple verticals, including pharmaceuticals, FMCG and banks.
Airtel currently offers 4G services across 15 cities on the 2300 MHz spectrum band and is expected to expand its 4G network extensively with 20,000 new base stations by 2016 while Aircel possesses 4G licences in eight circles and has launched commercial services in six circles.
