ZTE, Nokia Siemens (NSN) get Aircel's 3G gear contract

Aircel has given multi-million dollar contracts to ZTE and Nokia Siemens Networks for supplying third generation mobile network equipment. While ZTE said that its share of the contract is worth $85 million, NSN did not reveal the size of its deal.

NSN will supply 3G equipment in three circles – Punjab, Kolkata and West Bengal. The company continues to manage Aircel's GSM network in six circles of the country.

“We are committed to enabling a rapid and smooth rollout of the mobile broadband network for Aircel, applying our global experience gained from serving half of the world's 3G subscribers,” said Mr Urs Pennanen, head of India Region, Nokia Siemens Networks. “Our end-to-end solution will help Aircel address the surge in data traffic due to growing use of smartphones as well as generate new revenue opportunities through its delivery of a superior experience to its subscribers.”

As part of the deal, Nokia Siemens Networks will also provide a future-proof mobile packet backbone network, security solutions, and its multi-vendor network management and optimization software, NetAct. Nokia Siemens Networks will operate and manage Aircel's 3G network for four years under a managed services contract.

ZTE Corporation said it will be also responsible for Aircel's 2G network upgrade and implementing the new 3G network and subsequent upgrades.

“This contract between ZTE and Aircel is a significant one for ZTE in the Indian market,” said Mr Huang Dabin, CEO of ZTE India. “As always, ZTE will continue to invest in and maintain a commitment to the Indian market, especially since our Indian customers are regarded as strategic global partners.

Aircel 3G Commercial | Aircel 3G advertisement

Aircel 3G Signal Goes Live

Aircel 3G Goes Live

 Aircel 3G readers from Chennai and Hyderabad have started spotting Aircel 3G signal.Aircel has bagged 3G spectrum in 13 circles.

We’d like you to let us know if you have also come across Aircel 3G signal in your area. Just follow the simple steps to find out if there is 3G services awaiting for you.

Get a 3G handset and go to phone settings > set Network Mode to WCDMA/UMTS > then search for Networks Manually > It is expected that u will have Cellone/Dolphin (thats BSNL/MTNL) and Aircel 3G if available.

You can also email us (aircel3gblog@gmail.com) screenshots with your area name and we’d be happy to post them in this post.

Aircel launches 3G experience zones

Gurdeep Singh (right), Chief Operating Officer, with actor Suriya, brand ambassador, Aircel, at the launch of 3G experience zone in Chennai, on Tuesday. Photo: Bijoy Ghosh 

 

Aircel is planning for commercial launch of its 3G services soon, according to Gurdeep Singh, Chief Operating Officer.

Addressing presspersons here on Tuesday, Mr. Singh said to enable consumers to access and know more about 3G services, the company has set up four experience Aircel 3G zones in Chennai. Launching the 3G experience zone here, actor Suriya made the first 3G video call on Aircel network. “It is truly an amazing experience,” he said.

Mr. Singh said Aircel has become the first telecom service provider to launch 3G experience zone in Chennai, he said. The 3G experience zones would provide hands-on experience for customers on 3G services. Aircel would make available services such as interactive video voice response (IVVR), 3G pocket internet portal and video calls, Mr. Singh said.

The company would invest around $500 million towards offering 3G facilities and an equal amount for expanding 2G services. The data centre in Bangalore would be upgraded to 3G, Mr. Singh said. On the mode of investment, he said “We are well funded”. The investment would be met through borrowing and shareholders equity.

Aircel, a part of Maxis Communications Berhad, Malaysia, is India's fifth largest GSM mobile provider with a subscriber base of over 47 million.

It is now present in 23 telecom circles.