ZTE, a provider of telecommunications equipment and network offerings, has been awarded a $85m UMTS contract from Aircel to build and deploy an advanced SDR-based 3G network for the pan-India mobile service provider.
Under the agreement, ZTE will be responsible for Aircel 2G network upgrade and implementing the new 3G network and subsequent upgrades, and will be a long-term partner and supplier of GSM networks for Aircel.
ZTE said that the new UMTS network for Aircel is based on its SDR (unified 2G/3G/HSPA/HSPA+) platform, and when completed, it will achieve multiple modes in a single base-station, and create a smooth transition toward next generation networks such as LTE.
ZTE India CEO Huang Dabin said the contract between ZTE and Aircel is a significant one for ZTE in the Indian market, and as always, ZTE will continue to invest in and maintain a commitment to the Indian market, especially since their Indian customers are regarded as strategic global partners.
