After Kolkata, Bharti Airtel will take its fourth generation (4G) technology-based broadband service to Bangalore in the next 30 days.

This will be followed by similar rollouts in Pune and Chandigarh.

4G technology enables users to access wireless broadband services at 30-40 Mbps speeds compared to 3-4 Mbps on 3G platform.

Airtel on Tuesday became the first telecom company in the country to roll out its 4G-based services in Kolkata. The new technology will allow high speed internet services that include high definition video streaming and instant photo and video downloads.

But the tariffs are a bit steep starting at Rs 999 a month for 6GB of data. In addition, users will have to cough up Rs 7,999 to buy a USB dongle, which can be connected to laptops or desktops to access the service. In comparison, 3G dongles are available at around Rs 2,500.

Asked if the prices were steep, Mr Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman and Managing Director, said the development of ecosystem in any new technology will take time and it will “blossom into a healthy business” for Airtel in the coming days.

Hinting at a possible willingness to participate in the fresh round of 4G spectrum slated for this year, Mr Mittal said: “Auctions will be coming soon for BWA. We will not to be confined to these four circles.”

As an introductory offer, Airtel announced discounts for early birds. On the Rs 1,399 and Rs 1,999 post-paid plans, customers will get a money-back for a value equivalent of two month's rent, spread over first six bill cycles. They will get a bill discount of Rs 466/bill for six bills in the case of Rs 1,399 plan, and Rs 666/bill for six bills in the case of Rs 1,999 plan.

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