Idea in $500 mn network deal with Nokia Siemens

Idea Cellular, an Aditya Birla Group company, signed a $500 million network expansion deal with Nokia Siemens Networks. The pact will enable the GSM service provider to expand its network in the country.

The two-year contract, which includes supply and services of GSM and intelligent network equipment, also includes deployment of towers and media gateways.

Under the contract, Nokia Siemens Network will set up GSM, general packet radio service (GPRS) and Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) networks for Idea. This will help the company expand its coverage across six circles of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh (East), Uttar Pradesh (West), Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.

Nokia Siemens Networks will deploy infrastructure for flexi BTS, mini-ultra base stations and connectivity servers, among others.

According to Idea Cellular Managing Director Sanjeev Aga, "This expansion is a part of our larger growth strategy to take our services to more consumers by penetrating deeper in the circles we operate. This will allow us to more than double our existing capacity and reach out to thousands of new population centres in these circles."

Nokia Siemens Networks is a joint venture between Nokia's Networks Business Group and the carrier-related businesses of Siemens Communications.