Telecom network operator Idea Cellular has selected Nokia to provide 4G technology for starting services in three circles – Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Haryana.

As per the 4G infrastructure deal, Nokia will supply Single RAN site solution to assist Idea Cellular to optimize its investments and deliver a superior mobile broadband experience. Nokia’s Single RAN technology enables simultaneous 2G/3G/4G operation on one platform.

Earlier, Ericsson announced its 4G equipment deal with Idea Cellular, the 3rd largest mobile services operator in India. Ericsson said the LTE deployment will cover selected telecom circles which serve over 40 million subscribers. Ericsson will install its RBS 6000 radio base station, which supports GSM/EDGE, WCDMA/HSPA and LTE in a single cabinet and upgrade core network and operations support systems (OSS).

Idea Cellular 4G Facts

Idea Cellular completes the fastest 4G LTE launch in 100 days

Idea Cellular 4G covers 575 towns in 100 days in 10 circles

Idea Cellular 4G reaches 125 million population

Idea Cellular deployed over 14,000 4G sites

Idea becomes the first 4G telecoms in 250 towns out of these 575

Nokia, which competes with Huawei, ZTE and Ericsson, said it will support the modernization and expansion of Idea Cellular’s core network and operational support systems to support the 4G LTE rollout. Professional services for network deployment, network planning and optimization, system integration and supervisory managed services support, are also part of the deal.

Nokia will enable Idea Cellular to modernize and expand its 2G and 3G radio access networks and core network infrastructure, spread across six 2G circles and four 3G circles where Nokia equipment has been deployed in Idea Cellular’s network.

Sandeep Girotra, head of India Market, Nokia: “As Idea Cellular’s preferred technology partner in 2G, 3G, and now in 4G, we will continue to support them by providing new technologies and capabilities for superior network quality.”

Vina Krishnan