Airtel and Apple launch 4G services for iPhone 5s, 5c in Bangalore

Bharti Airtel along with Apple has launched India’s first 4G on mobile service. Airtel users in Bengaluru who have an Apple iPhone 5s or **iPhone 5c** will be able to experience 4G on their mobile at current 3G prices.   The introductory offer is valid for both prepaid as well as postpaid customers and all that’s required is a 4G SIM to start 4G services. Customers will not have to migrate to a 4G plan from their existing 3G data plan. Unfortunately, for non-iPhone users, this offer is only restricted to the latest smartphones from Apple. Airtel claims that with 4G, HD videos can be streamed with zero buffering and 10 movies can be downloaded in less than 30 minutes. However, there’s no way to verify these numbers just yet.   Through the introductory offer, those using 2G/GPRS plans can also switch to a 3G plans and get 4G speeds. For heavy data users, Airtel announced a new 4G plan giving customers 10GB data for a rental of Rs 1,000. While data browsing will be on 4G network, voice calls will be routed on 2G/3G seamlessly with the CSFB (circuit switched fall back) technology.   Airtel mobile customers using the iPhone 5s and 5c can start 4G on their phones immediately. New customers can just buy the 4G SIM and avail of any 3G data plan to get started with the 4G experience. All 3G plans in Bangalore will automatically be converted to 4G if the device is compatible. 4G SIMs will be available at all Airtel stores across the city, while customers can also SMS 4G to 53636 or call 121 or visit the Airtel site to know more about the offer.   Announcing the launch, Srini Gopalan, Director – Consumer Business, Bharti Airtel India said, “Airtel has always set the technology trends in India and was the first operator to introduce 4G to the country. Today, we are proud to announce the launch of the much awaited Airtel 4G services on mobile in partnership with Apple. We will together give customers in Bengaluru the power to upgrade to cutting edge 4G LTE technology at no additional cost.”