Nokia Siemens Networks has announced that it has won a US$150 million contract from IDEA Cellular Limited. The three year contract includes supply of GSM / GPRS and Short Message Service Center (SMSC) equipment, network implementation, roll out project management, service for third party products and managed services.

As part of the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will not only provide managed services such as operating and maintaining network infrastructure but will also deliver project management services for roll out, supply and services of third party solutions, network implementation and care services. Nokia Siemens Networks will also provide IDEA Cellular with GPRS and SMSC equipment in the Mumbai circle.

Commenting on the partnership, Sanjeev Aga, Managing Director, IDEA Cellular said,
"Today’s announcement is yet another step in our efforts to build a pan India GSM network and take mobility to the huge untapped consumer base. Nokia Siemens Networks is our partner in growth and their technology expertise coupled with prior deployment experience in Bihar will be crucial in rolling out cost effective services quickly."

The Bihar rollout will see Nokia Siemens Networks deploy equipment like flexi BTS, mini-ultra base stations, Release 4 architecture, media gateways and MSS servers. The network will be ready for commercial operations by early 2008 subject to spectrum availability.

Michael Kuehner, Head of India Sub-region, Nokia Siemens Networks said, "This contract reinforces our long standing partnership with IDEA and further strengthens our position as the dominant GSM equipment vendor to them. Nokia Siemens Networks’ extensive managed services capability, powered with a comprehensive and high-quality product portfolio makes us a catalyst for providing affordable mobile services to IDEA Cellular consumers."

Ashish Chowdhary, global Head of Managed Services, Nokia Siemens Networks said, "Managed Services is the cornerstone of Nokia Siemens Networks’ strategy to develop India as the hub for its global services business. This contract further strengthens our managed services leadership in India, as we will now provide services in 22 telecom circles in the country. Operators around the world, in developing and growth markets, will look at what is happening in India, and demand this sort of speed, cost and flexibility from us."