Telecom service provider Sistema Shyam TeleServices (SSTL), which operates under the MTS brand name, on Wednesday announced the commercial rollout of its 3G-plus telecom network based on Evolution-Data Optimised (EV-DO) Rev B Phase II technology.
The rollout will make MTS India the first telecom operator in India to provide 3G-plus network coverage across all its nine circles of operations – Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kolkata, Uttar Pradesh (West) and West Bengal – though it had not participated in the 3G spectrum auction in 2010.
Dmitry Shukov, chief executive officer, MTS India, said the company aims to increase its share of the data market by 50% by the end of next year. That would mean increasing its data market share to 22-30% by the end of 2014 from 15-20% now.
The rollout will provide a significantly enhanced data experience to MTS subscribers looking to access streaming multimedia.
Globally, EV-DO networks run in some of the most data-hungry countries in the world, including the US, Japan and Korea.
On consolidation, Shukhov said it would come sooner or later. He refrained from divulging specifics on likely mergers and acquisitions, but said the company is open to discussions.
To experience the full power of its 3G-plus network – MTS India has introduced MBlaze Ultra – a next generation Hi-Tech dongle providing data speeds of up to 9.8 Mbps. It operates on the 800 MHz spectrum.
“MTS’ 3G plus network will redefine the way customers experience mobile broadband as we roll out MBlaze Ultra across India. This state-of-the-art network empowers us to provide an enhanced consumer experience with even higher speeds, superior indoor penetration and outdoor coverage,” said Leonid Musatov, chief marketing & sales officer, MTS India.
The company also plans to launch a slew of smartphones by the end of 2013, enabling customers to further utilise the power of the 3G plus network.
It aims to break even by the end of next year.
According to a report by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), barely 1% of India’s population has an internet connection. The regulator’s national broadband plan envisages 175 million connections by 2017 and 600 million by 2020.
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