3G technology is more about the experience it brings in, rather than the speed. Speed may just be an enabler. The services, applications, possibilities, emerging devices and reliability is what comes as a bundle.
In the wake of the Airtel's announcement, talks in the grapevine is that, Vodafone will also be releasing the iPhone 3G for its subscribers on the same day -- 22nd August, 2008 -- which is about a forthnight away.
Ok, for aspiring individuals who wants to try this out and is in India, you may be surprised that both are rather affordable. Vodafone (erstwhile Orange/Hutch) give you unlimited access for Rs. 499 (at the time of writing this article).