News
Issue #2002 - 41 (October 2002)
(Updated Oct. 29, 2002)

INFRASTRUCTURE, PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Lucent and Ericsson Sign CDMA and GPRS Network Deals in India 

Source: News story written by Mala Nugehally, Special to MobileInfo.Com 

In a key strategy towards becoming the infrastructure provider for 3G networks in India, Lucent Technologies signed contracts with two major Indian players, Reliance Infocom, a provider of wireless services, and Tata Teleservices. the private basic telephony service provider, to deploy a nationwide, third-generation (3G) CDMA2000™ wireless network designed for voice and high-speed data services such as email with image attachments, high-speed connections to corporate intranets and streaming video and next-generation data services.

Under this contract Lucent will supply Reliance Infocom and Tata Teleservices with Lucent Flexent® base stations (which supports 3G CDMA2000.1X service), mobile switching centers and other network infrastructure. In addition, Lucent will provide advanced design, consulting and support services. The project is said to cover the entire Indian subcontinent and work is said to have already been initiated the first phase.

"We're pleased to be able to help Tata Teleservices meet their voice service needs, while also preparing them to introduce high-speed data capabilities to businesses - a market where we see great potential," said Jim Brewington, president of Mobility Solutions, Lucent Technolgies.

In another major move, Hutchison Group, a cellular operator in India, selected Ericcson as the sole supplier of an end-to-end MMS solution and GPRS infrastructure for all mobile networks it operates in India. Currently, Hutchison's operates four GSM mobile networks in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Gujarat, which it plans to upgrade using Ericsson's GPRS infrastructure and integration services. Already, Hutchison's three new mobile networks in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Chennai have been targeted for a GSM/GPRS infrastructure from Ericsson in a separate deal. 

Ericsson's GPRS system will enable Hutchison to offer Indian consumers always-on connectivity and higher bandwidth for data packet transfer. MMS technology will boost productivity through more immediate exchange of rich content.

"Hutchison is one of the fastest growing cellular operators in India. Ericsson's MMS solution allows it to offer more value to its customers and will also add to its revenues through increased network traffic and new tariff options," says Jan Campbell, Managing Director, Ericsson India Pvt. Ltd.

For more information: http://www.lucent.com  http://www.ericsson.com

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: It would appear that Asian countries like China and India may end up as bigger wireless markets than North America. China has already become the largest wireless market from voice point of view, as measured by the number of subscribers (over 110 million in 3Q, 2002, surpassing USA). India is catching up slowly. From the point of view of network infrastructure vendors, Asian markets are very attractive indeed. 

On a related front, China is fast developing its indigenous 3G and 4G technology. Hughes Software Systems based in India is supplying advanced 3G base station software to carriers around the world.

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.