The telecom operator, which has already launched the service in Narayani and Lumbini zones, is introducing the service in Bagmati, Gandkai, Bheri, Seti, Mahakali and Sunsari zones within two weeks. [break]
According to NT, the upgraded version of IP CDMA allows data transfer at the speed of up to 3.1 Mbps with better voice quality.
Although NT was planning to launch the service in 2012, it was postponed following its decision to migrate to convergent billing system. The plan was also pushed back after the operator failed to get desired results during test calls.
NT is currently preparing to introduce convergent billing system after which customers will be able to pay bills of different services through a single counter and using a single bill.
Anoop Ranjan Bhattarai, deputy managing director of NT, said the Sky-Pro service was aimed at promoting the use of data service.
“This will make wireless surfing much easier and those living in rural areas can also have high-speed internet access,” said he.
Under the existing CDMA network, the operator is relying on Evolution Data Optimized (EVDO), a 3G wireless broadband standard, which transfers data at a speed of up to 153.6 Kbps. The service is available under the brand name of Skyphone.
Stepping on EVDO, the operator has introduced Revision A (REV A) version in IP-CDMA that boosts up data transfer on the reverse and forward links enabling customers to send large files, high-resolution photographs and videos from mobile devices. IP-CDMA users will also be able to make VoIP calls and perform video telephony.
Bhattarai said the service, along with the handset, can be availed for Rs 13,500. After paying this amount, customers will get R-UIM card worth Rs 300 and a balance of Rs 200 every month for a period of one year. Charges on data service will be levied on usage basis.
NT has already signed an agreement on bundling of the service with Korea-based handset manufacturer Samsung and France-based Alactel as EVDO-enabled handsets are not common in the market. Likewise, the operator is also preparing to make public a list of Indian handsets that are compatible with the service.
China-based telecommunications solutions provider Huawei has won the bid at $30 million for implementation of the 2-million-line IP-CDMA project in two phases.
The operator plans to distribute one million IP CDMA lines in eastern and central development regions and remaining one million lines in western, mid-western and far-western development regions.
At present, NT has CDMA subscriber base of 1.1 million who are using both wireless and fixed-line services.
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