Nokia Siemens wins lucrative network expansion deal in India

Nokia Siemens Networks has agreed to undertake a multimillion-dollar multiplatform network expansion project in India.

The telecom solutions supplier and Bharti Airtel Ltd, a local telecom services provider, sealed the deal with a signed memorandum of understanding this week.

Under the contract, Nokia Siemens will provide state-of-art fixed-line equipment that will enable Airtel to add 1.8 million next-generation network ports to its national and international long-distance networks. The partnership also includes extending Airtel's International Calling Card prepaid service over the next three years, giving the telecom firm increased network capacity with 4.5 million new users. An additional two-year GSM expansion project is slated to benefit Airtel's eight telecom circles of Mumbai, Maharashtra and Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh, Bihar and Jharkhand, Orissa, Kolkata and West Bengal.

The $900-million contract involves network planning, implementation and project management and handling of local logistics and materials, as well as system integration for the base station sites.

"Bharti Airtel is undertaking a massive expansion and integration exercise across its mobile and fixed networks to significantly augment its service delivery capacity. Today's comprehensive network expansion contract is a reflection of this vision," Manoj Kohli, president and CEO of Bharti Airtel, said in a statement.

Adds Simon Beresford Wylie, CEO of Nokia Siemens Networks, "Nokia Siemens Networks has the experience and expertise in delivering integrated solutions and services and will enable Bharti Airtel to tap new market opportunities driven by convergence, optimize network performance and costs and continue to grow market share."