Bharti Airtel today said it has become the first telecom operator to launch 4G services in Lakshadweep, a group of islands off the coast of Kerala.
The company has launched its 4G network on the islands of Agatti, Bangaram and Kavaratti.
“It will be gradually expanded to other islands of the archipelago,” it promised.
It said the services will enable local residents to enjoy digital services like HD quality video streaming, fast downloads and uploads and high speed internet browsing.
Lakshadweep is also a popular tourist destination and visitors will also be able access seamless mobile broadband connectivity over the Airtel 4G network.
The move marks an achievement for Airtel, as it has been able to beat Reliance Jio, India’s largest 4G network that carries more than half of its mobile internet traffic, to achieve the milestone.
This also marks the second such achievement, as the company was also the first to launch 4G in Andaman and Nicobar Islands in January this year.
Airtel was also the first private service provider to introduce mobile services in Lakshadweep in April 2008.
State owned operator BSNL has also been testing 4G services in Kavaratti, the headquarters of the territory.
Aruna Sundararajan, Secretary at Department of Telecom, Government of India congratulated the company.
“This is yet another milestone towards building a digitally enabled India and empowering every Indian through access to digital services. The Government remains fully committed to supporting the telecom industry in their endeavor.”
Gopal Vittal, MD & CEO of Bharti Airtel said Lakshadweep was the only territory in India that was yet to be put on the 4G map.
“Mobile broadband is also an important economic enabler, and Airtel 4G will also add to Lakshadweep’s growth, connecting customers and businesses.”
Customers on the islands can upgrade to 4G SIM for free.