Idea Cellular, which over the last few months has expanded its footprint to 9 more circles, has selected Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) to deploy the latter’s Device Management solution to enhance the GPRS connectivity of the operator.

In fact the solution now powers GPRS connectivity of Idea in all its 20 circles of operations.

NSN claims that its Device Management solution provides a better experience for subscribers by automatically correcting errors and automating the provision of specific services. Furthermore, the remote lock and wipe capabilities of the solution increases device and data security for IDEA Cellular subscribers.

“More and more people are using their mobile phones, rather than computers, to surf the Web. So it’s important that our subscribers enjoy seamless data services so that they can always stay connected,” says Anil Tandan, Chief Technology Officer, IDEA Cellular. “Nokia Siemens Networks' Device Management solution and consulting services help us achieve this, while reducing costs.”

“Data services provide a big business opportunity to operators, especially in a market like India where the average revenues per user (ARPUs) are among the lowest in the world,” adds Urs Pennanen, Head of India region, Nokia Siemens Networks. “Therefore, it’s not only important that they provide a faster access to data services but also introduce new services according to customer preferences.”

NSN says that while deploying the solution, it also provided pragmatic and vendor-agnostic consulting services to Idea cellular to understand the new services and business opportunities on offer post deployment of the solution.

Last month, NSN India had bagged a GPRS deployment contract from new entrant, Uninor.