Nokia and BSNL have signed a network modernisation agreement to support BSNLs launch of 4G and Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services in western and southern regions of India, an official said on Monday.
Nokia
would deploy the technology in 10 telecom circles in India --
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Tamil Nadu,
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Telangana -- serving large cities,
businesses, technology and tourist hubs besides nearly 38 million BSNL
subscribers, an official statement here said.
"Hunger for
consistent change and innovation provides the fuel to drive us towards
excellence. With this in our core, we are striving to offer the best in
class network speed, coverage and capacity using the best technology
available," said Anupam Shrivastava, Chairman and Managing Director of
BSNL.
The statement said deployment of the Nokia Single Radio
Access Network (RAN) software would simplify network installation,
allowing BSNL to save operational costs while supporting 2G, 3G and 4G
subscribers in a single radio unit. New VoLTE services would allow
BSNL's 4G subscribers to experience HD-quality voice and faster call
connections.
In 2017, Nokia and BSNL signed an MoU to explore and develop the applications of 5G for the India market.
"We
are pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with BSNL on this
important project in India. The deployment of our technologies will
enable BSNL to launch exciting new voice and data services, satisfying
growing demand in India," said Sanjay Malik, head of India Market at
Nokia.