TRAI talks on the launch of 4G, before 3G launch

India is still waiting for the launch of third generation (3G) mobile wireless broadband services, But, TRAI ' a telecom regulator has made a striving move, it has started the discussions on the launch of fourth generation (4G) mobile wireless broadband services in India.

4G or long term evolution (LTE) ' is a successor to 3G and 2G networks with speed 10 times higher than 3G. It will facilitate higher bandwidth, higher data rate, lower authentication load, and support higher level of user-level customisation.

Trai, last day, sought the industry's response on the 4G launch and said it was examining the possibility of launching a consultation process on 4G technologies, as per media reports.

Currently, all services offered by Indian telcos, except select offerings by - BSNL and MTNL, are done using 2G networks, which largely cater to the voice market.

However, 3G services were originally planned to be commenced in India in 2007, but have been time after time postponed amid troubles over freeing up spectrum and setting bid prices. In fact, 3G was first launched in Japan, May 2001, and the services are available in over 90 countries.

Moreover, 4G network was first introduced in Europe. Also, companies like - Verizon in the US and Japan's NTT DoCoMo plans to launch 4G services, within the next couple of months.