Nokia bags 4G network rollout deal from Idea

Apr 14, 2016

Nokia has bagged a 4G network rollout deal from Idea CellularBSE 1.15 % for Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Haryana circles, along with network modernisation ones across six circles for 2G and four circles for 3G. Under the agreement, India's third-largest operator Idea Cellular will deploy Nokia's single RAN technology, which enables simultaneous 2G/3G/4G operations on one platform, the two companies said in a statement. Theydidn't share the value of the deals.

Nokia's 4G deal follows a similar one with Vodafone India for three lucrative telecom circles — Mumbai, Kolkata and Punjab. With the latest deal, Idea now has 4G LTE network arrangements with all three major gear makers — Nokia, Ericsson and Huawei, which bagged similar 4G network deployment contract for Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Odisha circles. Idea is rapidly rolling out 4G networks in various circles to compete with Bharti Airtel and Vodafone India, even as Reliance Jio Infocomm prepares to launch.

Idea recentlyclaimed that it deployed over 14,000 4G sites to complete the fastest rollout of 4G services in 100 days, covering over 125 million users in 575 towns across its 10 circles. It also claimed that it became the first 4G broadband service provider in 250 towns out of these 575. The telco has said that it has deployed 22,000 3G cell sites over the past two years, adding 28,500 new sites to create an infrastructure of over 50,000 sites. "We were looking for a solution which can support multiple radio technologies simultaneously on a single platform. We found it in Nokia's Single RAN solution, complimented by its energy-efficient and flexible site solutions," Himanshu Kapania, managing director, Idea Cellular, said in the joint statement.

Under the pact, Idea Cellular will deploy Nokia's Single RAN technology, which enables simultaneous 2G/3G/4G operation on one platform. The telco will also get Self Organizing Networks (SON) software features for more network efficiency, along with a virtualised operational support system (OSS).

In addition, Nokia will also provide operational support systems, along with professional services, network planning, optimisation, system integration and supervisor managed services support. "As Idea Cellular's preferred technology partner in 2G, 3G, and now in 4G, we will continue to support them by providing new technologies and capabilities for superior network quality," said Sandeep Girotra, head of India Market.

Source: Economic Times