Ericsson today announced its managed service deal with Bharti Airtel and 3G contract from Idea Cellular for its Delhi launch.

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Airtel has signed a two-year extension of its existing managed services deal with Ericsson to manage 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, Intelligent Network, LAN/WAN and Wi-Fi technologies in 15 circles.

Chris Houghton, head of Ericsson’s Region India, said: “We believe that our expertise in the managed services domain will enable Airtel subscribers to enjoy reliable services – and an enhanced digital experience across all generations of mobile technologies.”

Ericsson will provide the managed services via a centralized Global Network Operation Center, as well as field services via a distributed network of service centers.

Meanwhile, Idea Cellular has awarded a three-year contract to Ericsson to drive data growth and enhance the mobile broadband experience for its customers in Delhi.

As part of the 3G deal, Ericsson will enable Idea Cellular to roll out 3G services in Delhi as well as facilitating the transformation of 5500 2G network sites and 4500 hops on MINI-LINK microwave links for backhaul networks.

The new 3G network will be deployed in the 900 MHz band, a band particularly suited to improving app coverage indoors.

As part of the transformation, Ericsson will deploy hardware from the Radio System family, with Idea becoming one of the first operators in the region to deploy the Enclosure 6120 single-footprint, high-capacity, multi-flexible outdoor enclosure.

Ericsson will also provide operation support systems (OSS) for RAN and transport networks.

“3G services and the upgrade of 2G networks will enable us to improve voice coverage and provide higher-quality services to our customers for mobile apps and services,” said Himanshu Kapania, managing director, Idea Cellular.

Baburajan K
[email protected]