BSNL, Nokia sign MOU to roll out 4G

BSNL and Nokia have signed a network modernisation agreement to support BSNL's launch of 4G and Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services in western and southern regions of India.

Nokia would deploy the technology in 10 telecom circles in India-Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Goa, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh- serving large cities, businesses, technology and tourists hubs besides nearly 38 million BSNL subscribers, an official statement said on Monday.

"We are really proud to have technology partner like Nokia with whom we are working in South and West Zone of the country, rolling out the latest single RAN Technology and further moving towards 5G, in direction with our aim to offer the best, " Anupan Shrivastava, Chairman BSNL said.

Deployment of the Nokia Single Radio Access Network (RAN) software will simplify network installation, allowing BSNL to save operational costs while supporting 2G, 3G and 4G subscribers in a single radio unit. New VoLTE services will allow BSNL's 4G subscribers to experience HD-quality voice and faster call connections said the statement.

The network deployment will include Nokia Single RAN software, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Session Border Controller (SBC), CloudBand, Monetization Solution, Performance Manager, IP/MPLS and Wavence microwave technologies. Nokia Global Services will utilize its expertise and best practices to ensure high network and service quality.

"The deployment of our technologies will enable BSNL to launch exciting new voice and data services, satisfying growing demand in India," Sanjay Malik, head of India Market at Nokia said.

In 2017, Nokia and BSNL signed an MoU to explore and develop the applications of 5G for the India market.