Telecom network supplier Ericsson has bagged a 3G network deal from Bharti Airtel to expand 3G WCDMA network across eight circles in India.

Earlier today, Ericsson announced that Bharti Airtel will utilize its 4G network to roll out LTE services on FDD technologies in Delhi. Incidentally, Airtel is offering 4G LTE services in 300 towns at 3G prices to promote the scope of 4G business.

As per the 4-year agreement, Ericsson will assist Airtel to roll out 3G services in UMTS 2100 MHZ and UMTS 900MHz band in three circles). As part of the contract, Ericsson will supply, install and perform manage services for WCDMA Radio Access Networks (RAN).

Ericsson will provide its multi-standard radio equipment RBS 6000 base station for macro and small cells.

“This investment in 3G network is in line with Airtel’s constant focus on building a world-class, next-generation smartphone network for its customers. Refarming of 900MHz spectrum in 3 circles to 3G is aimed at providing additional capacity and better indoor coverage,” said Abhay Savargaonkar, CTO of Bharti Airtel.

WCDMA/HSPA subscriptions in India are expected to increase from over 120 million in 2014 to around 620 million by 2020, as the proportion of WCDMA /HSPA subscriptions in the total subscription base increases from 13 percent to 45 percent, according to Ericsson Mobility Report released in June 2015.