Wireless

June 23, 2005
Bharti, Ericsson sign US $250 million contract for rural India

NEW DELHI -- Ericsson recently signed a US $250 million managed capacity expansion contract with Indian operator Bharti to provide managed services and expand its GSM/GPRS network into rural India. Ericsson's technology and managed services solutions will enable Bharti to expand into around 3000 towns and villages in 15 regions. The rollout of the first phase of this ongoing coverage expansion into rural India will start in July 2005.

Ericsson delivers and manages network capacity when and where Bharti needs it. Hence, Bharti is free to focus on customers and business development, growing its business and efficiently evolving its networks. Fast deployment will allow Bharti to offer services with minimised payback time in rural areas with low average revenue per user.

Ericsson also provides its expander solution for rural coverage to optimize both capital and operational expenditures and ensure minimal total cost of ownership for Bharti's network.

Manoj Kohli, president, mobility, Bharti, said, "Ericsson's advanced solutions and services enable us to make this strategic move towards rural areas in India."

Jan Campbell, managing director, Ericsson India, said: "The agreement reinforces the position of Ericsson as Bharti's strategic partner. The expansion will allow Bharti to offer new and enhanced services to its customers, as well as cover untapped rural areas."

Contact:
www.bhartiteleventures.com