Nokia Networks to Deliver 3G Services for Bharti Airtel in India

Strategic Insights -

Nokia Networks, a global leader in telecommunications technology, has been selected by Bharti Airtel, a leading telecommunications company in India, to deliver 3G services for its 3G network rollout in 8 circles across India. The 4-year contract includes network planning, optimization, implementation, operations, and maintenance, as well as the provision of radio elements and services expertise to power Bharti Airtel's infrastructure. This deal highlights Nokia Networks' commitment to supporting the growth of India's mobile broadband market, which saw a 74% increase in mobile data traffic in 2014, driven by strong 3G growth of 114%.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nokia Networks will roll out Bharti Airtel's 3G network in 5 new telecom circles and enhance infrastructure in 3 existing circles across India.
  • The contract is valued at several billion dollars and is expected to be completed over a period of 4 years.
  • Nokia Networks will provide its radio elements and services expertise to power Bharti Airtel's infrastructure, including network planning, optimization, implementation, operations, and maintenance.
  • The company will also provide its Flexi Multiradio 10 Base Station, a software-defined radio platform, and Flexi Lite Base Station, a small all-in-one base station optimized for indoor and outdoor micro-cell deployments.
  • The deal marks a significant expansion of Bharti Airtel's 3G network in India, which has seen rapid growth in recent years.
  • Nokia Networks' MBit Index study revealed that the 74% increase in mobile data traffic in India in 2014 was primarily driven by strong 3G growth of 114%, while 2G growth was reported to be 41%.
  • Bharti Airtel has over 326 million customers across its operations at the end of April 2015.

Statistics:

  • 74% increase in mobile data traffic in India in 2014.
  • 114% growth in 3G mobile data traffic in India in 2014.
  • 41% growth in 2G mobile data traffic in India in 2014.
  • 326 million customers across Bharti Airtel's operations at the end of April 2015.
  • 8 circles across India where Nokia Networks will roll out Bharti Airtel's 3G network.
  • 4 years duration of the contract between Nokia Networks and Bharti Airtel.

Sources:

  • Thomson Reuters ONE via COMTEX (June 30, 2015)
  • Nokia Press Release (June 30, 2015)
  • Nokia Networks Website
  • Bharti Airtel Website
  • Nokia Networks' MBit Index study (2014)