Reliance Communications (RCOM) has commenced GSM network tests in Bangalore, Indian news source Business Standard is reporting, in preparation for commercial launch in December 2008. RCOM is in the process of launching GSM services nationwide; the cellco has already issued over 1,000 GSM SIM cards to employees and is expecting to launch the second phase of trial in the next six weeks, offering services to channel partners and select subscribers. RCOM has reportedly invested INR3 billion (USD65.5 million) in its Bangalore network infrastructure, installing 1,600 towers in a bid to take on Airtel, the largest operator in the Bangalore circle; approximately five million GSM subscribers reside in Bangalore, with Airtel claiming almost two million of these. ‘The nationwide GSM rollout of Reliance Communications is progressing as planned and is presently in its advanced testing stages. The nationwide GSM launch is slated to commence from end-2008’, said an RCOM spokesperson.

Source:telegeography