Tata Docomo is going to start their 3G service from Nov. 5 and Airtel will start his service by year end.If you still want to compare before their launch of 3G service , you can easily say that Airtel 3G will be fast .
This is due to technology behind the 3G platform used by both operators
First, you should know 3G network is of two types : HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) and WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access)
Now, Airtel is using HSPA and Tata docomo is using WCDMA
Now, let us know about the details about this technology
There are 2 types of 3G phones available today, some give true 3G experience while others can support only low speed 3G access.
What is WCDMA and HSPA?
HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) is a new generation communication protocol that allows data connections up to 21 Mbps per user in good coverage and quality conditions. Today mobile phones, datacards & USB dongles are available with HSPA.
WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) is a 3G technology version that allows data connections up to 384 kbps per user (64kbps, 128kbps, 384 kbps) in good coverage and quality conditions.
What are the benefits of HSPA over WCDMA?
HSPA allows you to get the best experience of 3G. Given the same bandwidth for WCDMA and HSPA, HSPA allows higher bit rates compared to WCDMA to be delivered to the end users.
Major advantages include:
 | Faster downloads and sophisticated applications support |
| Faster response time between network and device, improving the download times and network performance |
| Improved network performance also leads to significant savings in the battery life of the device |
| Far better experience due to quality reception resulting from the higher bit rates |
How can I get HSPA speeds?
If you are upgrading your mobile phone or buying a new datacard, we recommend checking with the manufacturer to ensure it’s an HSPA enabled handset or a USB Dongle or a PCMCIA slot based Datacard, which will allow access to higher speeds.
Where can I buy an HSPA handset, USB dongle or Datacard?
Mobile handsets with HSPA support can be purchased from the handset manufacturers' outlets. 3G enabled USB Dongle and Data