In addition to the standard portfolio of managed services, Ericsson will also take responsibility for the Intelligent Network that manages BhartiAirtel's prepaid customer base. The initiative is in line with Airtel's commitment to ushering in the next level of user experience on wireless communications. BhartiAirtel will expand and extend contract across 15 circles for 5 years.
"Sanjay Kapoor, CEO-India and South Asia, BhartiAirtel emphasized "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.
Ericsson will also ensure effective management of operational expenditure and maximize efficiencies of scale whilst undertaking to improve the overall quality of the network in these Circles. The full suite of managed services will be rendered through a state of the art GlobalNetworkOperationCenter and field operation activities spread throughout the country. The evolved managed services now incorporate the cutting-edge tools that Ericsson gained from its recent acquisitions of Optimi and Telcordia.
As BhartiAirtel operates in a multi-vendor environment, Ericsson will be required to manage equipment produced by other vendors, as well as its own and to draw on the experience, expertise and synergies it has gained from other similar engagements.