Redback Networks, an Ericsson company that makes video-centric routers for triple-play networks, has announced a deal to deliver broadband-on-demand services for Bharti Airtel.

Under the agreement, Redback's SmartEdge 400 router platform and NetOp policy management software will deliver a mix of pre-paid and on-demand broadband services for Airtel broadband fixed line subscribers. Over time, Redback and Ericsson will help Airtel unify its fixed and mobile infrastructure to provide a combination of residential and business services.

"India is a growth rocket for on-demand broadband and pre-paid broadband services, and Airtel is the largest private telecom services provider in this market," says Herve Brunet, vice president, Asia-Pacific sales and operations, Redback Networks. "On-demand broadband routing is one of the biggest trends reshaping telecommunications, and India joins China as one of the biggest growth opportunities for Redback."

Redback routers manage data, voice and video services for many global telephone companies. Typical network applications managed by SmartEdge routers include broadband access (such as high-speed Internet services), edge routing (such as VoIP and VPN services) and Ethernet aggregation (such as IPTV and other video services). Redback's intelligent routing technology is at the centre of Ericsson's end-to-end solutions.