Nortel bags $500m BSNL wireless network expansion contract

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has given Nortel a contract estimated at $500 million to expand BSNL's GSM/GPRS digital wireless network in the east and south zones of India. This expansion, part of a larger nationwide project, is expected to be completed in the first half of 2005. 

Under the contract, Nortel will deploy an end-to-end GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) solution. It also includes GSM radio base stations, mobile switching centers (MSCs), intelligent networks (IN) and other related equipment to provide wireless voice and data services with carrier-grade network reliability. 

High security, good radio performance and advanced wireless voice and data features will characterize this network solution. Nortel Asia Pacific President, John Giamatteo said, “This contract and strategic footprint will position us to capitalize on India's future growth for our long-term benefit.”

“Nortel's wireless technology is expected to play an important role in helping us achieve our objective of becoming the leading telecommunications company in India. Our vision of bringing advanced communications services to millions across India will be achieved,” said BSNL CMD, AK
Sinha.

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