Indian operator Bharti Airtel confirmed, it has roped in telecom equipment maker ZTE to manage its fourth generation (4G) technology based network in Kolkata, where the services are expected to be launched later this month.

The planned TD-LTE network will make Bharti Airtel the country’s first 4G operator. ZTE has now won 30 commercial LTE contracts and deployed test networks with more than 100 operators around the world.

4G service offer speeds in excess of 100 Mbps compared to 21 Mbps offered by 3G players. Superior speed of 4G will mean that it will be priced slightly higher than the 3G offerings.

The company had paid a total of Rs 3,314.36 crore for licence and spectrum fees during an auction held in June 2010.

Other companies who are expected to roll out 4G LTE services in India include Reliance Infotel (22 circles), BSNL (20 circles), Aircel (8 circles), Tikona (5 circles), Qualcomm (4 circles), MTNL (2 circles) and Augere (1 circle).

However, the Teleco will soon introduce 4G services in other circles after rolling out the same in Kolkata. We’ll keep our ears to the ground for your knowing pleasure.