Alcatel-Lucent has been awarded an IP-based next-generation, CDMA and GSM network contract valued at more than US$400 million from Reliance Communications. This contract will enable Reliance Communications to expand its wireless network to more than 20,000 towns and 600,000 villages.

Alcatel-Lucent will upgrade Reliance's CDMA and GSM network with additional mobile switching centres and base stations. Alcatel-Lucent also will provide a suite of network integration services, including network optimisation, system support and general project management.

According to Anil Ambani, chairman, Reliance Communications, "The expansion of our wireless CDMA and GSM network would further enhance our competitive edge in effectively participating in the achievement of our national tele-density targets of 500 million by 2010, thereby contributing to economic growth."