China?s telecom gear maker, Huawei, is likely to supply network gear for Idea Cellular’s upcoming 3G network rollout in Kolkata planned in November 2015. The company will also supply equipment for Idea’s 2G expansions in Kolkata, West Bengal and Orissa circles.
Meanwhile, Swedish firm Ericsson will supply gear for Idea?s 2G network expansion in Assam and Northeast circles. Idea is planning to invest around 5 billion in these upcoming rollouts in the eastern circles.
Idea had acquired 3G airwaves in the 2100 MHz band in Kolkata in the March 2015 auction. It is expected to procure over 2,000 sites from Huawei for its 3G rollout in the city. The company is likely to place additional purchase orders on Huawei for around 1,800 2G sites for the Kolkata, West Bengal and Orissa circles in the current fiscal.
Idea is also expected to separately engage with 4G gear suppliers for rolling out its 4G services in Orissa in 2016-17. The company does not have 3G spectrum in the state.
