The two-year agreement includes supply, installation and commissioning, training and annual maintenance contract for five years. NSN will also supply end-user devices that will enable BSNL to provide speeds of up to 24Mbps for ADSL2+ subscribers over its existing copper infrastructure. The first phase of new lines deployment will be completed by Q1 of 2008.
"The BSNL rural broadband project will bridge digital divide and connect 20,000 villages in India. Nokia Siemens Networks with its cutting-edge technology portfolio and its strong existing
relationship with BSNL, is an ideal partner in our efforts to deliver world class broadband services and drive long-termed sustained economic growth for India," said Kuldeep Goyal, chairman and managing director, BSNL.
This is the second rural broadband access tender BSNL has awarded to Nokia Siemens Networks. The company is also in parallel deploying the urban broadband access for BSNL across 15 circles. First phase of that roll-out is in advance stages of completion for 800,000 ports. |
