RCom eyes 3G roll out by next year

Anil Ambani Group-controlled Reliance Communications (RCom) expects to roll-out 3G services by this year-end or early next year, a top company official said.

"We expect that the government will allocate spectrum by September, following which we will start the roll-out by year-end or early next year," Reliance Communications' President, Mahesh Prasad, said.

RCom has got the license to offer 3G services in 13 key circles including Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. "It is premature to talk about the services offered under 3G," Prasad said, adding that worldwide 3G took 4-5 years to sink in. Replying to a query on average revenue per use (ARPU) after the 3G roll-out, Prasad said.

"The ARPU does not get lifted that quickly. During the last two quarters tarrifs were highly irrational in the country."

Meanwhile, in its preparation for the 3G launch, RCom said it has entered into an exclusive strategic partnership with the world's leading music company, Universal Music.

In the biggest and first-ever comprehensive music deal signed by an Indian telecom operator, RCom plans to offer Universal Music catalogue for its GSM, CDMA, 3G and mobile broad-band customers.