Ericsson gets $1.3B deal in India to expand and upgrade Bharti Airtel networks

Ericsson gets $1.3B network deal in India

STOCKHOLM — Swedish wireless equipment maker L.M. Ericsson AB says it has received a deal worth $1.3 billion from India’s largest telecommunications operator, Bharti Airtel Ltd., to expand and upgrade its networks.

Ericsson says the expansion will help Airtel to put a converged network into place and expand its coverage in rural India.

The contract, announced on Wednesday, covers Airtel networks in 15 of 22 telecom circles and will result in better voice quality and faster data access for users.

The Stockholm-headquartered group says it will also supply equipment and help ensure that Bharti Airtel’s core and transport network is ready for third generation technology, cutting the time to market and opening up for fast rollout of 3G services at a later date.