India’s largest operator, Bharti Airtel, is deploying 4G ahead of rivals, according to Economic Times.

The operator intends to roll out its 4G network to 100 Indian cities by the end of 2015, while continuing with its aggressive pricing.

“We are offering 4G services at 3G prices and we will continue doing so,” said CIO Harmeen Mehta.

Bharti Airtel, which holds 4G spectrum in 14 circles, aims to expand from the 45-odd cities where its 4G network is present today.

The operator is currently leading its major rivals – Vodafone and Idea Cellular – on 4G. Both expect to launch 4G later this year, or early next year.

Airtel’s approach also gives it the jump on Reliance Jio Infocomm, the heavily-backed 4G newcomer which plans to launch its 4G service commercially in December this year.

Jio Infocomm’s launch will likely force a response from the country’s incumbents, so Airtel’s strategy looks like an attempt to pre-empt its arrival.