More than 25,000 Indian villages are set to join the digital age and enjoy the social and economic benefits of connectivity as Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a telecommunications service provider, is all set to expand rural broadband access in partnership with Nokia Siemens Networks.

BSNL is to deploy Nokia Siemens Networks multi play solutions, which will allow it to deliver cost effective high speed Internet access and Virtual Private Networks, among others to its customers. The network will also enable BSNL to provide connectivity to CSCs (Community Service Centres) and other e-governance locations.

"Partnering with Nokia Siemens Networks would give BSNL an edge over other broadband services providers as it would be the first to cover rural areas on such a wide scale", said Kuldeep Goyal, Chairman and Managing Director, BSNL. "With high speed Internet service of BSNL, the rural broadband project is suitably poised to bridge the digital divide and connect more than 25,000 villages in India by delivering high speed broadband services", he added.

"With a population of 700 million, rural India, without a doubt holds the key to the future growth of the telecommunication industry and the long term economic and social development of the country", said Michael Kuehner, Head, Sub region India, Nokia Siemens Networks.

As part of the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks is deploying its Gigabit Ethernet-capable IP DSLAMs SURPASS hiX5625 (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexers) and chassis based access switch (SURPASS hiD6615). Nokia Siemens Networks will also supply customer premises equipment that will enable BSNL to provide speeds of up to 8 Mbps using ADSL2+ for its subscribers over its existing copper infrastructure.

The company is in parallel deploying solution for the urban broadband access for BSNL across 20 circles.