Reliance looks to launch 4G by year-end, sell 25% stake to AT&T

Reliance Jio Infocomm is preparing to launch 4G services by the end of the year with rollout expected to start in Delhi and Mumbai before extending to 69 cities in 2014 and more than 800 the year after, the Times of India writes without giving its sources. The news follows the heavily criticised decision from the Telecom Commission to permit 4G internet service providers to offer voice services, allowing them to compete with the nation’s cellcos. TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database notes that Jio Infocomm, under its previous name Infotel Broadband won pan-India 2.3GHz spectrum for broadband wireless access (BWA) in 2010. The planned 4G rollout is expected to cost around USD10 billion, including USD4 billion on licences and infrastructure development. Reliance is reportedly looking to sell a 25% stake in Jio Infocomm to US-based AT&T for USD3.5 billion.