Ericsson today clinched a deal worth $ 1.3 billion towards network expansion in 15 circles from India’s Bharti Airtel. The operator had earlier awarded a similar $ 700 million network expansion order for 8 circles to NSN India in February.

"Our pioneering model of aligning with strategic partners who share our vision and bring in world-class experience and expertise to execute our plans has helped us focus on our customers and market place," says Sanjay Kapoor, CEO- India & South Asia, Bharti Airtel. "The extension of our fifteen years association with Ericsson is testimony to the strength of the relationship as well as the success of the model. We continue to be delighted with Ericsson''s expertise in network expansion and transformation, helping us to reduce operating expenditures and enhance network quality. This way we can continue to provide a superior customer experience."

Hans Vestberg, President and CEO of Ericsson, says, "Airtel is poised to spearhead the next telecom revolution in India and take the 2G experience to greater heights. In this partnership, we will set a new benchmark for the world in terms of network size and quality, types of services and end-user experience."

As part of the deal, Ericsson will deploy 2.G/2.5G radio base stations, circuit and packet core, microwave transmission and Intelligent Network. The solutions will also make Airtel’s core and transport network to be 3G-ready thereby reducing the time-to-market and enabling faster rollout of 3G network. The solutions will be based on Evolved EDGE technology.

The network expansion is as part of Bharti Airtel’s plans to enhance its reach in rural parts of the country.