Ericsson has landed a $1.3 billion contract with Indian operator Bharti Airtel to upgrade its second-generation network in preparation for an eventual 3G launch.
As part of the deal, Ericsson will supply Bharti Airtel with 2G and 2.5G base stations, circuit and packet core and microwave backhaul in 15 of the country’s 22 telecom circles. Ericsson will also overhaul the operator’s core and transport network to ensure it is 3G-ready.
Bharti Airtel plans to participate in India’s upcoming spectrum auctions for 3G and broadband wireless.
“Airtel is poised to spearhead the next telecom revolution in India and take the 2G experience to greater heights,” Ericsson President and CEO Hans Vestberg said in a statement. “In this partnership, we will set a new benchmark for the world in terms of network size and quality, types of services and end-user experience.”
Ericsson’s latest deal with Bharti Airtel extends its existing 15-year relationship with the operator.
The announcement comes just two days after Ericsson announced it landed $1.8 billion worth of contracts with China Mobile and China Unicom.
Filed Under: Infrastructure