Nokia Siemens Networks has secured an order from Bharti Airtel to expand its 2G network and deploy and manage 3G services in Africa, Economic Times reported, citing a joint statement by the two companies.
Nokia-Siemens will manage end-to-end network operations, including planning, designing and implementing the 2G and 3G networks for telecom giant Airtel.
The vendor will provide its energy-efficient base stations to expand network coverage to under-served areas, including smaller towns and villages in the seven countries.
However, the companies did not disclose the details of the financial deals, the reports said.
Bharti Airtel CEO (International) and Joint Managing Director Manoj Kohli said, “We believe Nokia Siemens’ global expertise in managed services and compact energy-efficient network equipments are a perfect fit to our long-term goal to be a leading telecommunications provider in the African continent.” “This partnership will further enable us to rapidly expand our network coverage and provide high-speed wireless internet connectivity to our customers,” he added.
Nokia Siemens will utilize its FlexiHybrid microwave radio to address the growing data traffic and provide the platform for a cost-effective transition to 3G and potentially 4G networks in the future.
The company will also provide its NetAct network management system for network monitoring and management.
CEO of Nokia Siemens Networks Rajeev Suri said, “Subscribers everywhere are increasingly demanding better network quality and superior services. We look forward to working closely with Airtel to expand its network rapidly and deliver the right innovative products and services to meet these demands.”
About Bharti Airtel Limited
Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 19 countries across Asia and Africa. The company offers mobile voice & data services, fixed line, high speed broadband, IPTV, DTH, turnkey telecom solutions for enterprises and national & international long distance services to carriers.
Bharti Airtel has been ranked among the six best performing technology companies in the world by BusinessWeek. Bharti Airtel had over 233 million customers across its operations at the end of August 2011.
About Nokia Siemens Networks
Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of telecommunications services. With its focus on innovation and sustainability, the company provides a complete portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, as well as professional services including consultancy and systems integration, deployment, maintenance and managed services.
It is one of the largest telecommunications hardware, software and professional services companies in the world. Operating in 150 countries, its headquarters are in Espoo, Finland.
