MUMBAI: Reliance Communications, which won 13 circles including the metros of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata in an all India bid for 3G spectrum, has now appointed Prashant Gokarn as head – 3G.
Gokarn was earlier involved in 3G roll out in several countries and has worked in companies like Spectrum, Anderson Consulting and S2T. In his new role, Gokarn will report to Reliance Communications president and CEO – wireless business Syed Safawi.
At RCOM, Gokarn was heading corporate strategy since 2008. Following his new mandate, he has moved to 3G business with immediate effect. He will also be a key member of RCOM’s Wireless Management Board.
RCOM has also roped in Google’s former head of wireless business Suresh Jayaraju as head – new age VAS. Jayaraju brings with him an experience of over 14 years managing internet, media, and mobile technologies. Prior to joining RCOM, his other assignments were with Tech Mahindra, OnMobile Systems Inc and Rediff.com. Jayaraju will report to Gokarn.
As part of its 3G readiness plan, RCOM has established a fully-integrated 3G Innovation Lab with end-to-end wireless network infrastructure. This Innovation Lab will be an integral part of RCOM’s 3G operations offering real-time product developmental capabilities and time-to-market equation benefits to RCOM.
The objective of the Innovation Lab is to facilitate the development of mobile service innovations through collaboration with third party developers. RCOM will provide its infrastructure capabilities and the 3G Innovation Lab platform to various partners to jointly develop applications for consumers.
RCOM’s 3G Innovation Lab will involve a community of content developers, product innovators, technology platforms enablers, device manufactures and OEMs. The collaborative unit will be formed through tie ups with top local as well as Global partners who will further aid in improvising the innovation quotient.
Gokarn said, “Our 3G Innovation Lab will drive all 3G innovations for mobile as well as other platforms. It will aid in demystifying 3G technology and make it simpler for adoption amongst cross-section of customer groups.”
