NSN, ZTE win Indian contracts from Aircel

Nokia Siemens Networks and its competitor ZTE have both announced contract wins in the high growth Indian market. NSN said it has secured a deal to supply, deploy and manage an HSPA+ network for Indian carrier Aircel in three of the nation’s telecom circles; Punjab, Kolkata and rest of West Bengal. The win is an extension of the firms’ existing relationship, that sees NSN manage Aircel’s GSM/EDGE network in six Indian circles. Aircel is a subsidiary of Malaysian player Maxis.

The surge in smartphone ownership that has been seen in the most advanced markets in the world is starting to occur in India, said Urs Pennanen, head of India Region for Nokia Siemens. “Our solution will help Aircel address the surge in data traffic due to growing use of smartphones as well as generate new revenue opportunities through its delivery of a superior experience to its subscribers,” Pennanen added.

“With mobile broadband we want to provide unique services based on innovative data and value added services,” said Gurdeep Singh, COO or Aircel. He added that the new network should also improve the quality of Aircel’s voice offering. The value of the deal was not revealed.

Meanwhile Chinese vendor ZTE said that it had been contracted by Aircel to build and deploy a software-defined radio-based 3G network. ZTE stressed the importance of Aircel as a partner to the firm, with Huang Dabin, CEO of ZTE India, describing the deal as “significant for ZTE in the Indian market.” He continued: “ZTE will continue to invest in and remain committed to the Indian market, especially since our Indian customers are regarded as strategic global partners.”