MTS to offer 9.8 Mbps data speed, LTE after two years

MTS will deploy CDMA Rev B which will enable it to offer speeds up to 14.4 mbps.

MTS will deploy next generation CDMA technology, called EVDO Rev B, in all its nine circles to offer data speeds up to 9.8 Mbps, which is much higher than 7.2 Mbps that most 3G operators are offering right now.

The company has also announced plans to implement LTE network in its circles including Delhi, Kolkata, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh (West), West Bengal, and Rajasthan.

However Spokesperson of MTS India told us, "LTE is a long term plan and will happen only after about 2 years. In the short term we are looking at improving our existing CDMA network to offer better coverage and speeds in the nine circles that we are now present.”

On asking about the specific technology he said, "EVDO Rev B is a possibility since we have bagged three channels of spectrum (1.25 MHz each with total 3.75 MHz), and we will be looking at deploying the technology in near term.”

MTS has already rollout EVDO Rev B network along the Jaipur-Delhi and Chennai-Bangalore highway more than a year ago, offering data speeds up to 9.8 Mbps.

The company's licenses in 21 circles were canceled by the Supreme Court in 2012. However, it bagged spectrum in eight circles including Delhi, Kolkata, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh (West), and West Bengal again at the auction held on March 11 this year, in which it was the only participant.