A major Indian operator is expanding its managed services contract to boost services across 70% of its network. Bharti Airtel has signed a five-year multi-vendor, multi-technology managed services agreement with Ericsson for its Indian operations.
In addition to the standard portfolio of managed services, Ericsson will also take responsibility for the Intelligent Network that manages Bharti Airtel's prepaid customer base. Airtel is aiming to augment and expand its wireless communications across its 15 telecom circles.
Sanjay Kapoor, CEO-India and South Asia, Bharti Airtel emphasised: "With India emerging as the third largest internet market and a multi-fold growth in data traffic on the back of a rising number of smartphones, wireless networks need to be ready for the data revolution that has only just begun. This unique multi-technology Managed Services partnership with Ericsson will help us focus on creating a compelling service proposition for our customers, as we look to ramp up our market access for next generation services on 3G and 4G."
Fredrik Jejdling, Head of Ericsson India, says: "The rapid increase in customer numbers, and the network complexities due to multiple technology overlays defines the need for a renewed focus on differentiated user experience. As more and more people are joining the Networked Society, in which everybody and everything is connected it is imperative that we continue to provide high-quality, innovative services to the end users".
The 15 telecom Circles under the scope of the partnership include, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, UP(W), UP(E), Rajasthan, North Eastern states, Assam, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Chennai and Kerala.
