(Associated Press via NewsEdge) Nokia Siemens Networks has won a $500 million contract from a leading Indian mobile phone service company to manage and expand its communications network, both companies said.
The two-year contract from Idea Cellular requires Nokia Siemens Networks to supply and service communication equipment and help expand the Mumbai-based company's network capacity, a joint statement from the two companies said.
Idea Cellular operates in 11 out of the 23 mobile phone service zones that make up the Indian market.
Nokia Siemens will be involved in expansion of network capacity in only six of these zones, the statement said.
Idea Cellular managing director Sanjeev Aga said the contract will help the company double its existing capacity and reach out to new users.
Currently, the company has 14.56 million customers and is the country's fifth-largest mobile phone service provider.
India is has the world's fastest growing mobile phone market, which has been adding more than 5 million new connections every month over the past year.
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