Bharti Airtel has approached the government for its approval to test voice services on its 4G network, say news reports.
Existing regulations do not allow operators holding a 4G licence to offer voice services. However, Bharti Airtel is hopeful that it will get the necessary approvals from the government for providing voice services on its 4G network, given that the National Telecom Policy 2012 allows operators to offer all services after migrating to a unified licence.
Currently, Bharti Airtel is the only operator which offers 4G services in the country. It has launched 4G services in Kolkata, Pune and Bengaluru. In 2012, the company bought a 49 per cent stake in Qualcomm’s broadband wireless entities for around Rs 9.24 billion. The acquisition would allow Bharti Airtel to offer data services in four circles where Qualcomm holds licences, including key cities like Delhi and Mumbai. With this, the operator holds a 4G licence in eight circles.
