Nokia Networks has bagged a major 3G network deal from Bharti Airtel for five telecom circles and network expansion in three existing circles.

Main rivals of Nokia Networks in India include ZTE, Huawei, Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson.

The 4-year 3G contract is for providing its radio elements and services expertise to power Bharti Airtel’s telecom infrastructure, said Nokia Networks.

The 3G contract will cover network planning and optimization, network implementation, network operations, project management and care services, including hardware and software maintenance as well as competence development.

“As market leaders, we are committed to delivering the best data experience for smartphone users and making continued network investments to help us realize the vast potential of this data opportunity,” said Abhay Savargaonkar, director of Network Services Group, Bharti Airtel.

Meanwhile, Airtel today announced that it has become the third largest telecom operator in the world. China Mobile and Vodafone are ahead of Bharti Airtel. China Unicom and America Movil are behind Airtel.

Recently, Nokia Networks MBit Index study said that the 74 percent increase in mobile data traffic in 2014 was primarily driven by 114 percent increase in 3G and 41 percent increase in 2G. In 2014, the growth of mobile broadband traffic in India prompted many operators to expand their 3G and 4G networks.

Baburajan K
[email protected]