I was always curious about 4G LTE technology. Airtel has launched TDD-LTE in India on 2300 MHz band 3 years ago. But expansion of this 4G network was steady because of lack of 4G device ecosystem. Very few among all 4G devices support 2300 MHz band. FDD-LTE on 1800 MHz band is more common in the world. But now situation is different. Many mobile manufacturers are supporting TDD-LTE before launching their product in India. 4G mobiles are now available in India for price as low as Rs 5000.
Recently, I bought Nokia Lumia 638 which is currently the cheapest 4G mobile in India for Rs 5400. The phone has moderate configuration with Quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor, 1 GB RAM, 8 GB internal memory, 5MP camera and most important 4G TDD-LTE support.
Firstly, I inserted my Airtel SIM card in the phone but it was showing no 4G network option in network mode. Later, I realised that 4G network needs a brand new 128k SIM which is different from normal 64k SIM which is used for 3G/2G.
I contacted local Airtel outlet and exchanged my existing SIM with 128k 4G ready SIM. Now I got 4G option that I was expecting.
As Airtel 4G coverage is currently very weak in Pune, I had to go outside to hunt for 4G network. On highway, there was a good 4G coverage. I saw 4G symbol for the first time on my device. That was really a moment full of happiness :D
I performed a network search on the same place and I was getting Reliance Jio's 4G network also. But I couldn't figure out whether it was FDD-LTE or TDD-LTE.
In recent spectrum auction of 2015, major telecom players in India like Idea, Airtel, Vodafone and Jio have purchased 1800 MHz spectrum from Government for FDD-LTE which is more common worldwide. So we can expect FDD-LTE launch in coming months.
Further I performed many network speed tests at various locations in Pune and I was getting 20 Mbps speed on an average.
4G network doesn't support traditional services like voice calls, USSD and SMS. The network automatically switches to 2G or 3G when any incoming/outgoing call or SMS is there. This switching is seamless and very fast. Battery consumption on 4G is still moderate and depends on how much data you download on phone with 4G network.
Currently, Airtel 4G plans are same as 3G. As you recharge with any 3G plan, you get 4G speeds whenever the network is available.
Well, Airtel 4G network in India is currently ok ok. It just provides higher speeds than 3G and has lower latency. With Cat. 4 LTE that my Lumia 638 supports, theoretical peak speed of 4G network is 150 Mbps. So, 4G in India is still is in infant stage with lower coverage and average performance.
My hopes are on the next big thing Reliance Jio (RJIL). Expected launch of Reliance Jio's 4G is in December 2015. Still a few months away!
I will share with you as soon as I get any update about that. Till then, stay tuned!
Recently, I bought Nokia Lumia 638 which is currently the cheapest 4G mobile in India for Rs 5400. The phone has moderate configuration with Quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor, 1 GB RAM, 8 GB internal memory, 5MP camera and most important 4G TDD-LTE support.
Firstly, I inserted my Airtel SIM card in the phone but it was showing no 4G network option in network mode. Later, I realised that 4G network needs a brand new 128k SIM which is different from normal 64k SIM which is used for 3G/2G.
I contacted local Airtel outlet and exchanged my existing SIM with 128k 4G ready SIM. Now I got 4G option that I was expecting.
As Airtel 4G coverage is currently very weak in Pune, I had to go outside to hunt for 4G network. On highway, there was a good 4G coverage. I saw 4G symbol for the first time on my device. That was really a moment full of happiness :D
I performed a network search on the same place and I was getting Reliance Jio's 4G network also. But I couldn't figure out whether it was FDD-LTE or TDD-LTE.
In recent spectrum auction of 2015, major telecom players in India like Idea, Airtel, Vodafone and Jio have purchased 1800 MHz spectrum from Government for FDD-LTE which is more common worldwide. So we can expect FDD-LTE launch in coming months.
Further I performed many network speed tests at various locations in Pune and I was getting 20 Mbps speed on an average.
4G network doesn't support traditional services like voice calls, USSD and SMS. The network automatically switches to 2G or 3G when any incoming/outgoing call or SMS is there. This switching is seamless and very fast. Battery consumption on 4G is still moderate and depends on how much data you download on phone with 4G network.
Currently, Airtel 4G plans are same as 3G. As you recharge with any 3G plan, you get 4G speeds whenever the network is available.
Well, Airtel 4G network in India is currently ok ok. It just provides higher speeds than 3G and has lower latency. With Cat. 4 LTE that my Lumia 638 supports, theoretical peak speed of 4G network is 150 Mbps. So, 4G in India is still is in infant stage with lower coverage and average performance.
My hopes are on the next big thing Reliance Jio (RJIL). Expected launch of Reliance Jio's 4G is in December 2015. Still a few months away!
I will share with you as soon as I get any update about that. Till then, stay tuned!
