Nokia Siemens Networks to provide broadband access across 7000 villages in India

The two year agreement includes Supply, Installation and Commissioning , Training and Annual Maintenance Contract for 5 years. As part of the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks is deploying its Gigabit Ethernet-capable IP DSLAMs Surpass hiX5625 (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexers) and chassis based access switch (Surpass hiD6615). Nokia Siemens Networks 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.

Mr. Kuldeep Goyal, Chairman & Managing Director, BSNL said, "BSNL is a pioneer in providing affordable high-quality communications services to Indian consumers 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." He added, "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."

Mr Martin Luest, Head of Broadband Access for Nokia Siemens Networks said, "BSNL is at the forefront of taking world class broadband services to the masses and Nokia Siemens Networks is proud to partner with it in its efforts. 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."

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.

Nokia Siemens Networks provides a comprehensive portfolio for Wireline as well as Wireless Broadband solutions including xDSL, GE and GPON, (Passive Optical Networks), Carrier Ethernet, HSDPA and WiMax.

About Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL)

BSNL, a Government of India-owned corporation, is the incumbent and largest telecommunications services provider in India with a pan-India footprint but for Delhi and Mumbai. It has a network of over 60 million subscribers covering 5000 towns with over 35 million telephone connections. The corporation is an integrated telecommunications service provider with presence in the fixed line, cellular mobile, long distance and data segments with over 35 million fixed line, 24 million cellular mobile and 3.9 million Internet subscribers including 0.9 million broadband customers. To know more about BSNL, please log on to
http://www.bsnl.co.in

About Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of communications services. The company provides a complete, well-balanced product portfolio of mobile and fixed network infrastructure solutions and addresses the growing demand for services with 20,000 service professionals worldwide. Nokia Siemens Networks is one of the largest telecommunications infrastructure companies with operations in 150 countries. The company is headquartered in Espoo, Finland. www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com

Media Enquiries

Nokia Siemens Networks
Sangita Sanju
Communications India
Phone: +91 (124) 400 4100
Mob: +91 98114 51254
sangita [dot] sanju [at] nsn [dot] com

Global Enquiries
Anna Linden
Communications Broadband Access
Phone: +358718060857
Anna [dot] linden [at] nsn [dot] com