Jagbir Singh, president technology and networks, Reliance Communications, has resigned, after spending 9 months at the country’s second largest telecom operator.

He will be making his return to Bharti Airtel this week, as director Network, Bharti Airtel, where he will report to Sanjay Kapoor, CEO, Bharti Airtel.

As part of his new role, he will look after networks in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. When contacted, Singh confirmed the development.

Singh is credited with aiding the rollout of one of the fastest 3G launches in India, during his tenure at Reliance Communications. The company rolled out 3G services simultaneously in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chandigarh in December 2010, and has now expanded its 3G network offerings to over 150 cities in India. The company also improved network quality on both the GSM and CDMA networks, with competitive pricing plans during Singh’s tenure.

Prior to joining Reliance Communications, Jagbir Singh served as Group CTO, Bharti Airtel, for 9 years, where he was responsible for strategic planning of the mobile network, besides playing a leading role in the operator’s 3G and WiMax deployment team. He was also a member of the Mobility Management Board, governing the mobility business in Bharti Airtel. Prior to Bharti Airtel, Singh worked with Nortel (APAC), Lucent Technologies and Defense Research & Development Organisation.

Bharti Airtel, the country’s largest telecom operator, recorded 2 mn 3G customers at the end of March 2011, just three months after its official 3G launch. It has a 3G presence in over 40 cities across the country, and will be extending its services to Vizag and Vijaywada in the next few weeks. With Jagbir Singh at the helm, the operator will continue expanding its 3G services, with superior quality and value offerings.

By Beryl Menezes