Bharti Airtel has awarded a four-year contract to Nokia Networks to roll out its 3G network in five telecom circles and expand its network in three existing telecom circles. This comes in line with Bharti Airtel’s plans to invest Rs 64 billion in 2015-16 to ramp up its pan-India 3G coverage by expanding the network in new and existing circles.  Under the contract, the Nokia will provide its radio elements and services to power Bharti Airtel's infrastructure. The services that Nokia will provide include network planning and optimisation, network implementation, network operations, project management and care services, including hardware and software maintenance as well as competence development.

Abhay Savargaonkar, Director of Network Services Group, Bharti Airtel, said: "The Indian telecom environment is currently experiencing a rapid increase in the uptake of data-centric services. We are happy to further extend our long term association with Nokia Networks towards innovating our network's service delivery mechanism and deliver a host of multi-media apps as well as services for Airtel customers. "

Sandeep Girotra, Vice President and Head of India Market, Nokia Networks, said: "The strong traction in India's 3G market, driven by the rising demand for data-intensive apps and services, is the primary impetus behind Bharti Airtel's 3G expansion initiatives with Nokia Networks."