RCom ropes in ex-Google exec

Gearing up for the launch of third generation (3G) mobile services, telecom service provider Reliance Communications (RCom) has roped in ex-Google wireless head Suresh Jayaraju as head of New Age VAS (value added services). It has also appointed Prashant Gokarn as head of its 3G business.

Gokarn would report to Syed Safawi, president and CEO of its wireless business, according to people close to the development. Prior to this, he was heading corporate strategy in RCom. Gokarn will also be a key member of RCom’s wireless management board. Jayaraju will report to Gokarn.

The company also plans to set up a fully-integrated 3G innovation lab, with end-to-end wireless network infrastructure. The lab will facilitate the development of mobile service innovations through collaboration with third-party developers.

RCom had won 3G spectrum in 13 circles, including Delhi and Mumbai.

According to RCom officials: “We look forward to launching 3G services in the coming quarters and offering world-class products and services.”

The company recently signed a strategic partnership with Universal Music to offer music-related services and content across its GSM, CDMA, 3G mobile and wireless broadband platforms.

“The tie-up is crafted for our customers as part of RCom’s 3G launch. The partnership with Universal will be leveraged to give our 110 million customers an all round, never before music experience across multiple channels and extended 3G customers at its launch,” the company had said.

The company is expected to roll out 3G services by the end of this year, if the government allots spectrum by September 1 as decided.