Airtel Bangladesh, a fast growing telecom operator in Bangladesh, yesterday launched its 3G services on a test basis in the port city of Chittagong.

Airtel 3G services will be made available for the customers of Chittagong on a trial basis in and around Agrabad commercial area and CEPZ before Eid-ul-Azha, officials said.

The operator launched 3G services in Dhaka on October 2.

Airtel will begin commercial services once it gets the regulator's approval for its 3G tariff plans.

Mayor of Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) M Manjur Alam launched the services by making a video call with the president of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mahbubul Alam and then with a young university student through a 3G-enabled device.

Airtel has taken a step forward towards enriching the lives of our people with world class 3G service, the mayor said. "I am hopeful that Airtel will be able to deliver its global experience in developing 3G markets in Bangladesh."

Chittagong has always been in a leading role in Bangladesh, said Chris Tobit, chief executive and managing director of Airtel.

"We are very much excited to bring in 3G service to our val-

ued customers in Chittagong and we believe that Airtel will be able to play a significant role in bridging the gaps in the fields of communication and knowledge," he said.

"We have the best performing network in Chittagong," he said, adding, "We have 1182 base stations here in Chittagong zone which cover 93 percent of the total population living in this zone."

CCCI President Mahbubul Alam urged the Airtel officials to take the 3G services to the doorsteps of Chittagong residents.

It is a matter of satisfaction that Airtel gives preference to Chittagong in its service delivery, said MA Malek, editor of Daily Azadi.

Ashraful Haque Chowdhury, chief corporate affairs officer, and Rubaba Dowla, chief service officer of Airtel, were also present at the event at Airtel Experience Centre in Agrabad.