Nokia Networks has bagged Rs 1,240 crore ($200 million) contract from Bharti Airtel to build 4G network in the 1800 MHz band in six telecom circles, according to ET. Airtel will soon announce the deal that will cover Mumbai, MP, West Bengal, Odisha, Punjab and Kerala circles, according the report.
Last year Nokia Networks grabbed a 3G contract from Bharti Airtel that included India-first dual band, dual carrier 3G network implementation. It also partnered with Ericsson for 4G roll out and launch Radio Dot System and the RBS6402 picocell in India that optimizes indoor coverage.
Airtel won 97 MHz of airwaves in the 1800 MHz band across 15 circles in spectrum auction last year. The company already announced that it plans to provide 4G based on FDD-LTE on 1800 MHz, in addition to its existing 4G TDD-LTE services on 2300 MHz. It also offers 4G on mobile using Circuit Switched FallBack (CSFB) voice solution in Bangalore, Punjab, Chandigarh and Kolkata. It is yet to roll out TDD-LTE network in Mumbai and Kerala where it holds the spectrum.