NEW DELHI -- Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the largest telecommunications company in India, has awarded Nortel (NYSE:NT)(TSX:NT) a contract estimated at approximately US$500 million to expand BSNL's GSM/GPRS digital wireless network in the East and South zones of India. This expansion, part of a larger nationwide project, is expected to be completed in the first half of 2005.
"Nortel is a world leader in providing solutions that enhance the human experience and power global commerce," said Bill Owens, president and chief executive officer, Nortel. "We are very pleased to have been selected, and proud of the profound impact our solutions will have on the BSNL customer experience and of our contribution to the increasing growth and sophistication of the telecommunications industry in India."
"Delivering on our commitment to expand our presence in Asia, this contract further establishes Nortel as a significant wireless player in the dynamic and growing India market, in addition to our already important position in the optical and enterprise segments," said John Giamatteo, president, Asia Pacific, Nortel. "This award and strategic footprint will position us extremely well to capitalize on India's significant future growth for our long-term benefit."
Nortel Networks Ltd.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL)