Bharti Airtel inks $400mn network deal with Nokia

Bharti Airtel has signed an estimated $400 million contract with Nokia to expand its networks in 8 Airtel circles and deploy WAP solutions across its pan-India networks.

As per the three year contract, Nokia will provide managed services and expand Airtel's SM/GPRS/EDGE networks in Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Bihar (including Jharkhand), Orissa, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh (including Chattisgarh), according to an official release issued by Airtel to the BSE today.

The network monitoring operations will be carried out from Nokia’s Global Network Services Center in Chennai. Nokia will also deploy its WAP solution across Airtel’s national network to enhance its mobile packet core network capabilities.

"Our network leadership across India is a critical driver in the Bharti Airtel success story. Our partnership with Nokia reinforces our commitment to this cause and Nokia will provide us the latest technology and expertise to drive growth in Eastern India and rapidly expand our coverage in western India, Manoj Kohli, president of Bharti Airtel, said.