In India 3G was launched by the government operators in 2009. Tata Docomo launched 3G services in November 2010. Other private operators are expected to launch during Dec 2010 and January 2011. This has created lot of excitment among the handsets manufacturers, VAS players and the customers. Indian operators are looking at higher revenues to come from data and other 3G value added services. The Indian telecom industry is facing a challenging times ahead.
Current Status
MTNL and BSNL have already rolled out 3G services in India. The current 3G subscribers are 2 million.
Tata Docomo is the first private operator to roll out the 3G services in 9 of its circles
The Tariff of Tata Docomo for 3G services is higher than the BSNL Tariff.
Govt of India collected US $ 15 billion towards the cost of 3G spectrum
Prediction by industry observers
Tariff
1. The 3G tariff by the private operators is expected to be higher than the prevailing 3G tariff of the Government companies.
Network Roll out
2. The private operators will initially roll out 3G network in 25 cities followed by another 75 cities during the first year of 3G operation.
3. 3G roll out in small towns and rural areas will happen only in 2013
3G customer base
4. Number of 3G subscribers will touch 90 million by 2013
5. 3G penetration will be around 10% by 2013
6. 3G subscribers are expected to grow at 80% during the next 3 years
VAS
7. IPTV is expected to be launched in 2012 by the private operators
8. Mobile advertising will gain popularity
9. VAS market which is currently valued at US $ 1.4 billion will reach US $ 4 billion by 2015