Apart from Delhi, Ericsson will deploy Airtel’s 4G LTE network in four other telecom circles in India.
Swedish telecom equipment maker Ericsson today said it has bagged a four-year 4G network rollout contract in Delhi from Bharti Airtel. The company has also signed another four-year agreement with Airtel to expand its 3G network across eight telecom circles in the country. Financial details of the contracts were not shared by Ericsson.
This is Ericsson’s first 4G network using LTE-FDD technology in Delhi. Apart from Delhi, Ericsson will deploy LTE network in 4 other circles. It did not let out details though. Ericsson India Head Paolo Colella said the company is the market leader on LTE technology with 40 per cent of the world’s LTE smartphone traffic currently served by its network.
According to Ericsson, LTE subscriptions in India are expected to reach more than 230 million by 2020, which will work out to around 17 per cent of the total subscription base. Regarding the 3G contract, Ericsson said the rollout will take place in both 2100 MHz and 900 MHz bands. As part of the network, Ericsson will supply, install and manage services.