Videocon ties up with Huawei for 4G roll out in six circles

Videocon Telecom,on Thursday, said it has tied up with Chinese equipment maker Huawei Technologies for roll-out of long-term evolution (LTE) or fourth generation (4G) network in six telecom circles.

Under the agreement, Huawei will provide the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) technology for Videocon's core network, Videocon said in a statement. The company is expected to roll out FDD-LTE technology based 4G services by end of this year.

"Videocon Telecom is rolling out LTE-ready Packet Core network from Huawei in six telecomcircles in India.This network will provide a larger data coverage and reduce the overall capex and opex leading to an improved profitability and lower costs to end users," Videocon Telecom's Director and CEO Arvind Bali said in a statement.

Meanwhile, both companies had earlier run into dispute over payments when Videocon lost all its licences (21) after the Supreme Court quashed 122 licences in February 2012. However, the issue has been resolved between the two companies.



"We hold a global leadership position in Packet Core networks and are very happy to partner with Videocon Telecom to bring this cutting-edge technology," Huawei India CEO Cai Liqun said. Videocon Telecom, after acquisition of fresh spectrum from auction in November 2012, had announced that it would roll out 4G network on 1800 MHz spectrum band.

Last year, it had announced that the company would explore a partnership possibility with Nokia Solutions Network (formerly Nokia Siemens Network). NSN manages Punjab operations of Videocon for its 2G services, while Huawei manages its 2G network in four other circles. Videocon has 5.28 million subscribers at the end of April.