Qualcomm and Bharti 4G Partnership Could Dawn Mobile TV Age for India

Bharti, a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, and Qualcomm today announced that they have signed an agreement for Bharti to acquire an interest in Qualcomm Asia Pacific’s (Qualcomm AP) Indian BWA entities.

Under the agreement, Bharti has made an initial investment of approximately USD 165 million to acquire 49 percent interest in Qualcomm AP’s India entities that hold BWA licenses in Delhi, Mumbai, Haryana and Kerala.

The agreement contemplates that once commercial operations are launched, Bharti would assume complete ownership and financial responsibility for the BWA entities by the end of 2014.

Bharti has now secured a nation-wide broadband leadership through a combination of 4G and 3G, with its own networks in 18 circles. Bharti has already taken the lead in LTE TDD space by launching 4G services in Kolkata and Karnataka Circles.

This union has been met with a great deal of enthusiasm in India as it not only ensures the development of India's broadband network but it opens up various channels for emerging broadband technololgies and will enhance India's TV 'on the go' experience. 

Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharti stated this union could open up new doors for India's telecommunictions markets:

This partnership will combine the strength of Bharti’s national telecom footprint and Qualcomm’s technological leadership in the LTE TDD space. With a broadband ready network across India, Bharti is well positioned to lead the next phase of Indian’s telecom revolution.”

Qualcomm will initially provide technical assistance to Bharti in connection with network architecture and optimization, infrastructure and device testing, as well as continuing to develop and support the underlying technology and the LTE TDD ecosystem.