Swedish telecom equipment supplier Ericsson has bagged a $2 billion order from Bharti Airtel to expand its network.

"We are honoured that Bharti has chosen to partner with us in this grand venture that underpins our strategy of providing communication for all through sustainable and innovative solution," said Mats Granryd, MD, Ericsson India.

As part of the Bharti deal, Ericsson would design, plan, deploy, optimise and manage Bharti Airtel's GSM network across 15 circles in India as well as for its pan-India prepaid platform across 23 circles.

Ericsson would provide 2G/3G core based mobile soft switch for data services and a pan-India prepaid platform using Intelligent Network technology for better service quality to the prepaid users.

"This contract is an important part of realising Bharti's vision of a converged network and of expanding coverage in rural India to launch innovative voice and data services for Indian consumers," Granryd said.

PTI