Bharti Airtel to bring 3G to seven countries across Africa

Details: James Barton; Category: Wireless Networks; 03 October 2011; 11265 views

Seven African countries will soon host new 3G networks deployed by Bharti Airtel, which is also planning a major expansion of its 2G (GSM/EDGE) networks across Africa...

Seven African countries will soon host new 3G networks deployed by Bharti Airtel, which is also planning a major expansion of its 2G (GSM/EDGE) networks across Africa. The operator has commissioned Nokia Siemens Networks to manage end-to-end network operations, including planning, designing and implementing the 2G and 3G networks.

The vendor will provide its energy-efficient Flexi Multiradio Base Stations to expand network coverage to under-served areas, including smaller towns and villages in the seven countries.

Manoj Kohli, CEO, (International) and joint managing director, Bharti Airtel, said: “This agreement manifests our commitment to provide world-class, innovative and affordable mobile services to customers in Africa. This partnership will further enable us to rapidly expand our network coverage and provide high-speed wireless internet connectivity to our customers.”

Nokia Siemens Networks will use its FlexiHybrid microwave radio to address growing data traffic and provide the platform for a cost-effective transition to 3G, and potentially 4G networks in the future. The company will also provide its NetAct network management system for effective network monitoring and management.

More info: