Nokia wins $141M GSM network expansion with BSNL, India

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) awarded Nokia a comprehensive GSM/EDGE and GPRS network expansion project in North India, an extension of the contract companies singed in 2004. The expansion, valued at USD 141 million, will include core and radio network equipment, and an extensive range of services.

The expansion will enable BSNL to significantly increase its network coverage and capacity in the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. It gives BSNL the chance to introduce the benefits of mobility to 2 million new Indian subscribers, and underscores Nokia's commitment to the dynamic Indian market.

"This is an important network expansion to BSNL as we strive to offer the best network coverage and capacity to our subscribers," said GS Grover, Director Commercial & Marketing, BSNL.

"We are delighted to strengthen our successful cooperation with BSNL," said Ashish Chowdhary, Country Head, Networks, Nokia India. Chowdhary added that the expansion provides BSNL the ability to enhance its network coverage and capacity, and shows the strength of Nokia's full range of service offerings.

Services play an important role in the contract, including complete network planning and optimization, infrastructure design, supply and implementation, and commissioning as well as systems integration and Nokia's over-the-air device management solution.

Nokia's operations in India include networks and terminals sales divisions, three Research and Development facilities and an upcoming manufacturing facility in Chennai that will produce both terminals and GSM infrastructure equipment. Nokia also plans to open a Global Networks Operation Center in India by the end of the year.