(15 May 2009 10:15 pm)

MUMBAI: The Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (MTNL) has announced the launch of its first IP-based mobile 3G (third generation) network to offer enhanced services to residential and enterprise customers in Mumbai. The services will roll out commercially from 1 June.

The state-owned telecom major has already launched the 3G services in Delhi. It is targeting 100,000 3G customers by March next year in Mumbai.

"Our total investment for the 3G launch in Mumbai is Rs 2.50 billion and we hope to rope in 100,000 customers by March next year. Connections will be available in about a month's time," says MTNL chairman and MD RSP Sinha.

However, due to spectrum issue, MTNL may have to limit 3G services to only 400,000 customers. In first face, the services will be launched in South and Central Mumbai.

“We will launch the service in South and Central Mumbai currently. This will soon be expanded to other parts of the city, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan and Dombivali,” Sinha adds.

The company has announced four different packages for pre and post paid customers. The unlimited download package is for Rs 2,500 per month.