Vodafone, Airtel, Idea in pact to offer pan-India 3G services

Vodafone India has announced that it has signed agreements with Bharti Airtel and Idea Cellular Ltd. for sharing of 3G services in regions where they do not have the bandwidth licenses.

The  agreement also covers areas where Vodafone-Essar has 3G bandwidth which will help the company provide 3G services through out the country.

As of now Vodafone has 3G permissions for nine telecom sectors out of the twenty two. Previously, Vodafone won the bandwidth for Rs 116.18 billion in the 3G auctions last year.  

Airtel currently operates 3G services in thirteen regions and Idea operates 3G services in eleven regions. This sharing agreement will bring all the three major players on an even keel, in terms of 3G service coverage.

Service providers have been trying to 3G attract customers, but the combination of high 3G charges and poor coverage have proven to be huge disadvantages. This agreement may go long way in rectifying coverage issues.