Nokia Wins Bid to Expand Wireless Networks in India
November 27th, 2005
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), one of India’s leading telecommunications companies, has awarded Nokia a comprehensive GSM/EDGE and GPRS network expansion project in North India. 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 (both east and west circles), 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.
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 (OTA) device management solution. This expansion is an extension of a USD 284 million GSM/EDGE and GPRS contract signed by Nokia and BSNL in 2004.
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.
