Nokia Siemens snares Idea Cellular contract in India

Nokia Siemens Networks reported that it has garnered a network equipment deal with Indian cellular provider Idea Cellular Ltd. to deploy HSPA-based services over the carrier’s existing GSM infrastructure. Terms of the deal were not released.
The deal includes supplying and deploying the equipment as well as managing the network in Uttar Pradesh (East), Uttar Pradesh (West), Kerala and Haryana. NSN noted the deployment will account for more than 40% of Idea Cellular’s base stations and include its Flexi Multiradio Base Stations, mobile packet core and mobile backhauling including microwave radio. The company said it will also supply unified network management, monitoring and optimization based on its NetAct system.
As part of the deal, NSN will also provide network implementation, project management, care and maintenance services.
Idea is currently India’s No. 3 national operator by revenue and counts more than 78 million subscribers.
NSN is reportedly close to selling a 30% interest in itself to private equity firms in an attempt to raise much-needed capital.