India's Idea Cellular Selects Ericsson for GSM and Managed Services

Idea Cellular, an Indian mobile operator currently serving some 20 million subscribers, selected Ericsson as the sole supplier of its GSM network in Mumbai, India.

Under the four-year deal, 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 is scheduled for May 2008.



Ericsson said it 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. Financial terms were not disclosed.



The deal marks Ericsson's first network win in Mumbai and completes its footprint in India's 23 telecom circles. (The country is divided into 23 telecom regions known as service areas, and operators require separate licenses to operate in each service areas.)http://www.ericsson.com