Ericsson to supply GSM, managed services to Idea Cellular India

Ericsson has been selected by leading Indian operator Idea Cellular as the sole supplier of its GSM network in Mumbai, India. The parties have also entered a managed services partnership.

Under the four-year agreement, Ericsson will supply radio access, microwave transmission, and core network equipment, including Ericsson’s Mobile Softswitch Solution. Ericsson will also be responsible for network deployment and integration, as well as managed services including network and field operations. Rollout is planned to begin shortly, with commercial launch rescheduled for May 2008.

The Mobile Softswitch Solution, which sets the stage for Idea Cellular to evolve towards an all-IP network, supports cost-effective network operations for mobile voice services. The future-proof evolution path towards all-IP networks ensures the smooth launch of next-generation multimedia services.

Ericsson will also provide a real-time charging system for traditional telecom services and new multimedia services. The solution is part of Ericsson’s end-to-end Revenue Management offering, helping operators improve marketing capabilities, reduce costs and provide users with spending control.

The deal marks Ericsson’s first network win in Mumbai and completes its footprint in India‘s 23 telecom regions known as service areas, whereby operators require separate licenses to operate in each service areas.

As India‘s leading GSM mobile services operator, Idea Cellular has licenses to operate in 13 telecom circles with a subscriber base of more than 20 mln.