Airtel plans 4G network expansion in Kolkata

Telecom major Airtel is considering expanding its existing 4G network in Kolkata that could attract an investment of Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 3,000 crore.

"Airtel officials had met me to increase fibre network coverage by anywhere between 500km and 1000km for expanding 4G services," Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) mayor-in-council (engineering and health) Atin Ghosh said.

"We had provided Airtel the draft licensing agreement required for cable laying and they have said they will revert in the next 7-10 days," he said.

"If they lay 1000 km of optical fibre for 4G, the investment will be in excess of Rs. 3000 crore," Ghosh added.

The development comes after Mukesh Ambani controlled Reliance Jio Infocomm sought to start 4G network across the city and held a meeting with KMC to obtain right of way for some 750 km of optical fibre network.

Airtel without divulging the subscriber base of 4G said they had launched the service in April and the coverage is only in the central business district of city and so far they invested Rs. 600 crore for the network in city.