Huawei gets $20 mn order from BPL

BPL Mobile has awarded a $20-million (Rs 80 crore) network expansion contract to Huawei Technologies, which will enable the GSM major to cut down operating costs.

Under the one-year contract, Huawei will deploy GSM base station sub-systems, microwave stations and routers for BPL Mobile's Mumbai circle.

The company will put in place an all-internet-protocol, next-generation-network (NGN) infrastructure for BPL Mobile.

Deploying Huawei equipment will also bring down the total cost of ownership (TCO) by enabling faster and cost-effective expansion of the existing GSM network services.

It will also enhance the company's competitive advantage in attracting new subscribers through rapid augmentation of existing capacities.

According to BPL Mobile Communications Chief Executive Officer S Subramaniam, "We have always strived to deliver superior quality of service. To upgrade our network to world-class standards, we are partnering with Huawei. The relationship will help us maintain our position in Mumbai as BPL Mobile rapidly expands its subscriber base."

The contract will play a significant role in the company's GSM network expansion. BPL Mobile has over 1,000 cell sites in Mumbai and is planning to add another 300 cell sites by the end of the financial year.