Tech Shout!

Nokia Siemens Networks has announced that it has won a contract from India’s state-owned telecom Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, more commonly referred to as BSNL. Under this contract Nokia Siemens will deploy broadband access across 7000 Indian villages.

Nokia Siemens Networks’ high bandwidth will allow BSNL to deliver high data and triple-play intensive services such as video on demand, video multicast, IPTV, videoconferencing and VPN to its customers.

Moreover, Nokia Siemens Networks will also enable BSNL to provide connectivity to Community Service Centers (CSCs) and other e-governance locations, making the Indian telecom giant a communications backbone for such centers.

Under the deal between Nokia Siemens Networks and BSNL, the former will complete the first phase of the project by the first quarter of 2008. The deal involves supplying installing and commissioning infrastructure as well as providing training for the BSNL personnel. Nokia Siemens will also provide annual maintenance for five years.

As part of the contract, Nokia Siemens will deploy its Gigabit Ethernet-capable IP DSLAMs Surpass hiX5625 (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexers) and chassis-based access switch (Surpass hiD6615).

Further, Nokia Siemens will also supply end-user devices to enable BSNL to provide speeds of up to 24Mbps for ADSL2+ subscribers via its Copper infrastructure.

According to Kuldeep Goyal, BSNL chairman and managing director, “BSNL is a pioneer in providing affordable high-quality communications services to Indian customers and this mega broadband expansion initiative is another step in that direction.”

“As the largest broadband service provider, BSNL is suitably poised to usher in the next phase of the telecom revolution in India by delivering high speed broadband services to the consumer doorstep. The BSNL rural broadband project will bridge digital divide and connect 20,000 villages in India,” added Goyal.

Martin Luest, head of the broadband access division at Nokia Siemens said that BSNL is at the forefront of bringing world class broadband services to the masses.

In a statement Luest said, “Our industry leading technology solution will allow BSNL to offer its subscribers an outstanding network experience, thanks to faster data transmission over copper telephone lines than a conventional modem can provide. It will also deliver significant cost savings for BSNL through its multi-service capability and high capacity.”