Vodafone Essar to Launch 3G Network in India by end of 2010

WASHINGTON August 2, 2010-  Indian mobile provider Vodafone Essar is set to launch a new 3G network by the end of the year. The firm won the exclusive spectrum rights for a 3G network in May.

“We are ready to launch 3G services in nine circles by this year-end. We are waiting for spectrum allocation. As soon as we get the spectrum, we will be able to launch our services” said Vodafone Essar CEO Marten Pieters.

The network will operate in Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The firm paid $2.48 Billion for the rights. They also plan to expand the network in 2011 as they are able to acquire more spectrum.