MUMBAI: Airtel and Huawei have announced the launch of India’s first LTE-TDD smartphone ‘Ascend P1 LTE’ supporting 4G network services in the Indian market.
The device is powered with Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor and features circuit switched voice fall back technology to support voice calls over 3G , 1GB RAM, 4GB storage, 4.3-inch Super Amoled QHD display with Gorilla Glass 2, and 8MP rear camera with dual LED flash.
“Over the last 15 years, Airtel has been at the forefront of India’s telecom revolution and played an instrumental role in aligning the country’s technology trends with latest standards from across the globe. We took the lead in introducing India’s first 4G service in Kolkata and continue to commit towards driving the country’s broadband agenda. We are excited to announce the launch of India’s first 4G LTE TDD multi-mode mobile device along with Qualcomm and Huawei,” said Bharti Airtel India & South Asia CEO Sanjay Kapoor.
Commenting on the occasion, Huawei India CEO Cai Liqun said, “LTE is the future of mobile communications, and faster data access experience will become a key area of differentiation for consumers when choosing their mobile devices. Huawei is committed to LTE innovation throughout the entire communications value chain from the device to the network to the cloud. The availability of the Huawei Ascend P1 LTE is just one more way in which we are putting great technology into the hands of more people globally and now in India.”
Earlier this year, Airtel was the first telecom operator in India to announce 4G services in Kolkata, and the telco plans to start the services in Pune and Bengaluru.
“As applicable to any new technology across the world, the long term adoption of 4G will rely on a variety of factors, specifically the device ecosystem readiness. The availability of 4G voice and data compatible devices will play a defining role in massifying 4G, and driving its adoption. We are delighted to take the lead in setting technology standards for 4G devices in India. We are confident that others will follow suit and participate in the effort towards establishing the 4G devices ecosystem in India,” added Kapoor.
