BSNL to launch iPhone in India by December 2008

Another Apple iPhone launch in India. This time its the country's largest telecom operator, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL). BSNL will introduce Apple’s iPhone for its subscribers across the country by December, 2008. BSNL will also launch the third generation network during the same time.

Even though Airtel and Vodafone have launched iPhones in India, the absence of 3rd generation network in the country, have made many of the features of the iPhone unused.

BSNL and MTNL are the first two government operators to get 3G licence. SK Chakravarty, chief general manager of Calcutta Telephones says

iPhone is a 3G phone and we think that unless we have a 3G network, its full potential can’t be utilised by customers,” said Chakraborty.

BSNL will be investing Rs 2500 crore for setting up 3G network in the country. Ericsson (for North and East), Alcatel (for west) and Huweii (for south) will be rolling out the netowork across the country.