Bharti Airtel selects NSN for 4G in Maharashtra

Bharti Airtel has chosen Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN), to build and operate its TD-LTE network in Maharashtra.

TD-LTE is a 4G mobile broadband technology, delivering instant internet access, and supports video streaming and high definition video conferencing.

With the launch of the services the operator's subscribers in the state will be enabled with a much improved experience when using bandwidth-intensive applications, with more consistent network coverage and faster response times.

Airtel will deploy its TD-LTE network in the 2.3 GHz frequency band allocated by the Indian government for broadband wireless access (BWA) technologies.

''LTE provides ultra high speed data access, in conjunction with 3G, this will lead the data revolution and drive fundamental changes in individual lifestyles, businesses and the society at large. We look forward to the advent of 4G technology which will be launched in India at the same time, as the rest of the world,'' said Sanjay Kapoor, CEO, Bharti Airtel (India & South Asia).

NSN will deliver the TD-LTE network, and end user data devices that can provide data speeds of upto 100 megabits per second (Mbps), as specified by 3GPP standard.

The vendor will be providing Airtel with its TD-LTE 6 pipes radio solution, which reduces site space, as well the total cost of ownership. It will use its global network solutions center (GNSC) at Noida, to remotely deliver services for improved efficiency and network performance.

''As Bharti Airtel's long-standing partner, we are glad to be chosen for the launch of 4G services. With our expertise and focus on mobile broadband, we hope to assist the operator in taking mobile broadband experience to a completely new level for its customers,'' said Ashish Chowdhary, head of customer operations Asia and Middle East, Nokia Siemens Networks.