---
title: Idea Cellular selects ECI for major optical network upgrade - Developing Telecoms
description: Optical and fixed wire network news in emerging markets
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date: 2018-01-22T18:40:43Z
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Idea Cellular, India’s third largest mobile operator and sixth-ranked in the world, is to upgrade its optical network with ECI.

Using ECI’s Access DWDM solution, Idea aims to meet massively rising data demand and fulfill its commitment to the “Digital India”, the country’s initiative to connect rural and underserved areas of the population with high-speed internet access. The upgrade will cover more than half of the operators’ network.

As mobile phone penetration in India grows, so too has the demand for mobile data as the country is considered one of the world’s largest consumers of mobile data. The ECI solution will ensure maximum utilization of Idea’s existing infrastructure, while creating a future-proof solution that already accounts for additional upgrades.

“ECI is committed to providing scalable, future-proof solutions that significantly benefit telecom operators worldwide,” said President of ECI India, Sajeet Shivashankaran. “Our products and solutions, including the access DWDM platform, provide the necessary flexibility to expand and grow with the changing needs of our customers.

“Idea is a pan-India wireless broadband operator offering high speed mobile internet and digital content services to our customers. ECI has long been our partner and has supported us in rolling out 3G/4G networks with optimum solutions. We will be able to enhance capacity and meet the ever-growing demand for data with the new solution,” added Mr. Anil Tandan, Chief Technology Officer, Idea Cellular.

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