Ericsson signed a 780-million-euro ($1-billion) deal with Indian mobile operator Bharti Airtel to expand its wireless networks, an Associated Press report said.
The report, quoting Ericsson, said the three-year contract, which also included upgrades and technical support, would help Bharti Airtel improve its mobile coverage in rural parts of India, reaching out to all towns in 15 regions.
"Rollout speed plays an extremely important role in large expansions of this nature and Ericsson has demonstrated expertise in this area," Mats Granryd, managing director of Ericsson India, was quoted as saying.
Ericsson, the world's largest supplier of telecom equipment, already managed more than 70% of Bharti Airtel's networks, the company said.