Nokia Siemens bags $700-mn deal from Bharti

Telecom equipment provider Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) bagged a $700-million network expansion deal from the country's top service provider, Bharti Airtel.

The deal would include network planning, implementation and project management, handling of local logistics and materials, as well as system integration for the base station sites, the company said in a statement here.

The GSM network expansion would cover eight circles - Mumbai, Maharashtra & Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Bihar & Jharkhand, Orissa, Kolkata and West Bengal.

NSN would deploy its energy-efficient solutions, including flexi multi-radio base stations, packet core platforms and microwave solutions.

"Airtel continues to drive innovation and leadership in the telecom sector. This expansion will not only expand our networks deeper into the rural hinterland but will also allow us to deliver a rich end-user experience," said Sanjay Kapoor, CEO designate, Bharti Airtel.