ZTE bags $85 mn contract from Aircel to deploy 3G network

Telecom equipment manufacturer ZTE Corporation today said it has received an order worth $85 million (about Rs 383 crore) from mobile service provider Aircel to build and deploy its advanced 3G network.

As the long-term partner and supplier of GSM networks for Aircel, ZTE will also be responsible for upgrading its 2G network, implementing the new 3G network and subsequent upgrades, ZTE Corporation said in a statement.

Aircel, is the Indian subsidiary of Malaysia's Maxis Group.
   
"This contract between ZTE and Aircel is a significant one for ZTE in the Indian market," ZTE India CEO Huang Dabin said.

The deal would allow Aircel to achieve cost-effective networking and improved mobile services. In addition, Aircel will benefit from ZTE's eco-friendly base-station technology, which is already at the forefront of the industry, the company said.

To date, ZTE already has 12 Long Term Evolution (LTE), the latest standard in the mobile network technology, commercial application contracts.

The company had spectrum for 13 new circles across India. These include Delhi (Metro), Mumbai (Metro), Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Rajasthan, Punjab, UP (West) and UP (East).