Shenzhen-Based Equipment Makers Compete for India's Massive Telecom Contract
Shenzhen-based telecommunications equipment giants Ericsson, Huawei Technologies Corporation, Alcatel-Lucent, Nokia Siemens Networks, and ZTE Corporation are in a fierce competition to supply mobile equipment to India's state-owned BSNL. The contract, which includes 14.37 million mobile lines of GSM and 3G equipment, is valued at 50 billion rupees (approximately USD 1 billion). Milind Deora, India's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, announced the contract details on December 22, 2011. BSNL, India's fifth-largest mobile operator, has faced several delays in awarding the contract, canceling bids multiple times in the past.
Key Takeaways:
- The contract involves supplying 14.37 million mobile lines of GSM and 3G equipment to BSNL, India's fifth-largest mobile operator.
- The contract is valued at 50 billion rupees (approximately USD 1 billion).
- Shenzhen-based equipment makers Ericsson, Huawei Technologies Corporation, Alcatel-Lucent, Nokia Siemens Networks, and ZTE Corporation are competing for the contract.
- The contract award has been delayed multiple times, with BSNL canceling bids on previous occasions.
- The competition highlights the growing demand for telecommunications equipment in India's expanding mobile market.
- The contract is a significant opportunity for the winning bidder to expand its presence in the Indian market and supply equipment to one of the country's largest telecom operators.
Statistics:
- 14.37 million: The number of mobile lines of GSM and 3G equipment to be supplied under the contract.
- 50 billion rupees: The contract value, approximately equivalent to USD 1 billion.
- 5: The number of Shenzhen-based equipment makers competing for the contract.
- 1 billion: The approximate value of the contract, equivalent to 50 billion rupees.
Sources:
- "SinoCast Daily Business Beat via COMTEX" - December 22, 2011.
- Comtex SmarTrend Alert ( various dates).
- Comtex News Network, Inc. (c) 2004-2011.
- SinoCast Daily Business Beat. (c) 2008.