Ericsson signs three-year GSM expansion contract in India with IDEA Cellular

Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) and Indian operator IDEA Cellular have today signed a three-year contract for GSM expansion in the Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh telecom circles (operator-licensed areas).

Under the contract, Ericsson will provide radio access, microwave transmission and next-generation, mobile softswitch network architecture, till November 2009.

As the sole supplier, Ericsson will help IDEA build a state-of-the-art EDGE-enabled cellular network across the five circles, which will enable IDEA to make a smooth transition to a 3G-ready network once 3G-spectrum allocation is finalized.

Sanjeev Aga, Managing Director, IDEA Cellular, says: “We are pleased to be working with Ericsson to expand our GSM network. The expansion prepares us well for the switch to a 3G-ready network when the time is right.”

Mats Granryd, Managing Director, Ericsson India, says: “IDEA’s expansion in the five circles will include remote rural areas, which present unique challenges. We have been partners with IDEA since it started operations in India, and we are happy to be taking this partnership to a new level of commitment.”

Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world.

Read more at http://www.ericsson.com