RCom to launch GSM services in B'lore by Dec

Reliance Communications, an integrated telecom operator, has commenced testing of its soon-to-be-launched GSM (global system for mobile) network in Bangalore.

The company is in the process of launching nationwide GSM services in addition to its CDMA services which are available across 20,000 towns and 450,000 villages in the country.

In the first stage of testing, RCom has issued over a thousand GSM SIM cards to its employees. The second phase of its “soft trial” is expected to start within six weeks from now where the company will start offering services to its channel partners and select subscribers before commercial launch.

Reliance Communications has pumped in Rs 300 crore in setting up its GSM network in Bangalore where it has installed 1,600 tower sites.

Airtel, the largest operator in Bangalore, with close to 2 million GSM subscribers has 1,200 cell tower sites presently. The total number of GSM subscribers in Bangalore is estimated to be around 5 million.

Reliance Communications has also installed Indoor Building Network solutions in over 250 buildings in Bangalore including airports, 5-star hotels, shopping malls and major business hubs. The indoor solutions would improve the network coverage quality and coverage within the buildings.

Reliance Communications spokesperson said, “The nationwide GSM rollout of Reliance Communications is progressing as planned and is presently in its advanced testing stages. The nationwide GSM launch is slated to commence from end-2008.”