Bharti Airtel inks $1 bn deal with Ericsson

Wireless equipment maker LM Ericsson has signed a US $1 billion deal with Bharti Airtel to expand its networks.

Wireless equipment maker LM Ericsson said on Thursday it has signed a US $1 billion (euro780 million) deal with Indian mobile operator Bharti Airtel to expand its wireless networks.

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The three-year contract, which also includes upgrades and technical support, will help Bharti Airtel improve its mobile coverage in rural parts of India, reaching out to all towns in 15 regions, Ericsson said.

"Rollout speed plays an extremely important role in large expansions of this nature and Ericsson has demonstrated expertise in this area," said Mats Granryd, managing director of Ericsson India.

Ericsson, the world's largest supplier of telecommunications equipment, already manages more than 70 per cent of Bharti Airtel's networks, the company said.