I read this article recently and it might explain Airtel's ability to launch 4G so quickly. All they might be doing is upgrading to HSPA+ as of now. Unlikely for it to be an LTE implementation.
"4G phones are supposed to be even faster, but that's not always the case. There are so many technologies called "4G," and so many ways to implement them, that the term is almost meaningless. The International Telecommunications Union, a standards body, tried to issue requirements to call a network 4G but they were ignored by carriers, and eventually the ITU backed down. 4G technologies include HSPA+ 21/42, WiMAX, and LTE (although some consider LTE the only true 4G of that bunch, and some people say none of them are fast enough to qualify.)"
Source:
Highly unlikely as it will be a headache for Airtel to bring in devices compatible in that band. 3G phones and dongles available in India work in 2.1ghz band not in 2.3ghz band. Actually there are no HSPA devices in that band altogether anywhere in the world. To develop an new hspa ecosystem for that band will be rather foolish for any Indian operator.
LTE is much more simpler as 3G equipments brought in India are already more or less LTE ready. Only minor hardware changes are required if BTS is already connected to OFC network. The main problem were LTE-TDD devices but with one or two Chinese dongles already available launch is definitely not a problem.
"4G phones are supposed to be even faster, but that's not always the case. There are so many technologies called "4G," and so many ways to implement them, that the term is almost meaningless. The International Telecommunications Union, a standards body, tried to issue requirements to call a network 4G but they were ignored by carriers, and eventually the ITU backed down. 4G technologies include HSPA+ 21/42, WiMAX, and LTE (although some consider LTE the only true 4G of that bunch, and some people say none of them are fast enough to qualify.)"
Source:
Highly unlikely as it will be a headache for Airtel to bring in devices compatible in that band. 3G phones and dongles available in India work in 2.1ghz band not in 2.3ghz band. Actually there are no HSPA devices in that band altogether anywhere in the world. To develop an new hspa ecosystem for that band will be rather foolish for any Indian operator.
LTE is much more simpler as 3G equipments brought in India are already more or less LTE ready. Only minor hardware changes are required if BTS is already connected to OFC network. The main problem were LTE-TDD devices but with one or two Chinese dongles already available launch is definitely not a problem.
