Nokia will also deploy its WAP solution across Airtel's national network to enhance the operator’s mobile packet core network capabilities. The WAP gateway will enable easy usage of data services, thereby increasing the consumption of content on the Airtel network. Nokia will provide consulting services and integrate the WAP gateway into a multi-vendor environment.

Nokia will deploy the latest radio and core network equipment, including its MSC Server System (MSS) mobile softswitch, and its Flexi WCDMA and Ultrasite base stations, and will also provide services based on Bharti's capacity requirements, delivering on-demand capacity. The contract also has stringent service level agreements and performance metrics for both parties, which are designed to provide high-quality services to subscribers and continuously enhance the user experience.

Nokia has close to 60 managed services contracts globally, and provides managed services in 27 telecoms circles in India.

* Bharti Airtel Limited is a private-sector provider of telecoms services with an aggregate of 25.89 million customers as of July this year. Almost all are mobile customers. The company was the first private operator to provide mobile services in all 23 circles in India and also to supply telephone services and Internet access over DSL in 92 cities. Bharti Airtel also runs a submarine cable landing station at Chennai, which connects Chennai and Singapore.

more info:

• www.bhartiairtel.in
• www.nokia.com