Airtel launches network experience centre

The earthquake proof facility, which is the first of its kind in India, will monitor Airtel's network performance across services mobile, fixed line and DSL broadband, DTH, M-commerce, enterprise, international cable systems and internet peering points.

"This is something which I planned several years back when I saw such buildings in the US. This facility will be nerve center of our entire network," Bharti Airtel Chairman and Managing Director Sunil Bharti Mittal told reporters here.

The facility, inaugurated by Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal, will act as the central point to gather information from different centers run by the company across the country and South Asia.

"It will monitor all Airtel and partner network operations center (NOCs) and in case of any emergency, the operator will have a 360-degree view of any issue, thereby helping to prioritise actions to restore normalcy and reduce resolution time," the company said.

Mittal said with the launch of this facility, the company will be able to analyse and deliver seamless experience to over 200 million customers across our verticals from one location.

"In particular, this facility positions us to manage the expected surge in data usage on our 3G and 4G networks in years to come and deliver best-in-class experience to our customers," he said.

Asked about the investment made by the company for the facility, he refused to share the details, but said such facilities require huge investment.

Mittal also added that the resources of the network could also be shared with the government in times of emergency and with other operators too.

Speaking of the facility, Sibal said he has never seen anything like this.

Describing Mittal as the captain of Indian telecom sector, the minister said the government has to work with the private industry to take the sector forward.

"Without private sector, we won't be able to achieve the desired growth," he said.

Bharti Airtel CEO (India and South Asia) Sanjay Kapoor said data collected from real time observation of the company's network will help to create possible new revenue stream as well.