Idea Cellular selects Ericsson to roll out 3G services in Delhi

NEW DELHI: Telecom firm Idea Cellular has awarded a three-year contract to Ericsson to drive data growth and enhance the mobile broadband experience for its customers in Delhi.

Ericsson will enable Idea Cellular to roll out 3G services in Delhi as well as facilitating the transformation of 5500 2G network sites and 4500 hops on MINI-LINK microwave links for backhaul networks.

The ICT solutions provider will deploy its state-of-the-art services such as network design, deployment and rollout, support, supervisory managed services, as well as supply microwave equipment for cost-efficient packet transport and 2G/3G radio access networks (RAN).

The new 3G network will be deployed in the 900 MHz band, a band particularly suited to improving app coverage indoors.

As part of the transformation, Ericsson will deploy hardware from the Radio System family, with Idea becoming one of the first operators in the region to deploy the Enclosure 6120 single-footprint, high-capacity, multi-flexible outdoor enclosure.

In addition, Ericsson will also provide operation support systems (OSS) for RAN and transport networks. Idea users will be able to enjoy a superior digital experience while accessing services like video telephony, mobile TV, video on demand, music downloads and online gaming, amongst many others with this roll out , subject to all necessary regulatory approvals.

Himanshu Kapania, Managing Director, Idea Cellular said: "Idea Cellular is committed to providing a superior experience to its customer base. This partnership will enhance the data and network experience for our subscribers who demand optimum performance and rapid services at all times. 3G services and the upgrade of 2G networks will enable us to improve voice coverage and provide higher-quality services to our customers for mobile apps and services."

Chris Houghton, Head of Region, Ericsson India said: "Data subscribers today are increasingly demanding better network quality and superior services. We look forward to working closely with Idea to expand its 2G and 3G network rapidly, and deliver superior digital experience for its customers in Delhi."

Ericsson's relationship with Idea dates back to the year 1997, when Ericsson built Idea's first two networks in Maharashtra and Gujarat. The new network deployment started in December 2014 and is expected to be completed in 2017.