NSN inks Africa 2G, 3G network deal with Airtel

Finnish telecommunications equipment vendor Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) has signed an agreement with Bharti Airtel to expand the operator’s 2G infrastructure and deploy 3G networks in seven African countries. Under the agreement, NSN will manage end-to-end network operations, including planning, designing and implementing the 2G and 3G networks for Airtel in the markets of Madagascar, Malawi, Congo Brazzaville, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. The vendor will provide its energy-efficient Flexi Multiradio Base Stations to expand network coverage to underserved areas, including smaller towns and villages in the seven countries. Commenting on the agreement, Rajeev Suri, chief executive officer of NSN, said: ‘Subscribers everywhere are increasingly demanding better network quality and superior services. We look forward to working closely with Airtel to expand its network rapidly, and deliver the right innovative products and services to help meet these demands.’
NSN will use its FlexiHybrid microwave radio to address growing data traffic and provide the platform for a cost-effective transition to 3G, and potentially 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks in the future. The company will also provide its NetAct network management system for effective network monitoring and management. In addition, the vendor’s end-to-end managed services will enable Airtel to focus on delivering better customer experience and offer more innovative products and services to customers across markets.