Africa - Bharti Airtel has signed an network management contract with Ericsson for two years

[marketwire] Bharti Airtel, ("Airtel") a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 19 countries across Asia and Africa today announced a five year managed services agreement with Ericsson for its Africa operations. As per the agreement, Ericsson will manage and optimise Airtel's mobile networks in Africa in order to provide a superior customer experience.

Under a separate two year agreement, Ericsson will modernize and upgrade Airtel's mobile networks in Africa with the latest technology including its multi standard RBS 6000 base station. Ericsson will deploy this superior 2G and HSPA 3G technology to ensure that Airtel's customers have an enhanced voice and data experience. As part of the modernization, Ericsson will also provide technology consulting, network planning & design and network deployment.

Manoj Kohli, CEO (International) & Joint Managing Director, Bharti Airtel said: "Ericsson has been our managed services and network technology partner in the Asian operations. Given its expertise and strong track record we are confident that this partnership will be able to efficiently deliver the best networks and services to our customers in Africa. The new generation equipment from Ericsson will help reduce our total cost of ownership of the networks."

Ericsson's first multi-country Managed Services deal in Africa will enable Airtel focus on its core operations of innovating and launching new products, services and mobile applications for over 44 million customers across the continent.

Hans Vestberg, President and CEO, Ericsson, says: "Ericsson is the industry leader in managed services, managing networks for operators worldwide that serve more than 800 million subscribers. This deal will allow us to assist Airtel with the complex task of managing operations in multiple countries. It also provides an opportunity for us to extend our managed services into new, untapped African markets. We will use our global expertise in this field to provide Airtel's customers with excellent service."

Bharti Airtel signs five year managed services agreement with Ericsson for its Africa operations