Aircel awarded Ericsson a new 3G network rollout contract based on HSPA standards across six out if its 13 circles of operations.

The six circles collectively serve more than 100 subscribers and with the win Ericsson becomes largest vendor for 3G for Aircel.

Sandip Das, CEO of Maxis says, "Ericsson and Maxis, have a long history of infrastructure partnership starting up from 2G through to 3G and possibly future technologies, across our subsidiaries and allied companies operating in Malaysia, India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. We respect them and look forward to their continued support to our group's commitment to providing quality networks and advanced services to our customers".

Hans Vestberg, President & CEO, Ericsson says, "Maxis group and Aircel is a preferred partner for us. We greatly value our strategic association and the India 3G agreement further reinforces this partnership".

Gurdeep Singh, COO of Aircel comments, “For many people in India connected for the first time, 3G mobile broadband will bring completely new types of services and benefits. We are confident that with this partnership, we will benefit from Ericsson’s global expertise of 3G deployments, and will be able to offer our customers a world-class 3G experience.

As part of the deal, Ericsson will provide core, radio and transmission network equipment as well as related services such as network rollout, network technology and consulting, radio network optimization and support services. The mobile broadband network will include the latest multi-standard radio base station, RBS6000, and the MSC Server Blade Cluster, which will drastically boost the capacity of the network and evolve it into an IP network. The framework contract will be implemented from 2010 to 2012. Deliveries and deployment are underway. Aircel and Ericsson made the first successful 3G call last week in Chennai and Coimbatore.

The six Aircel circles Ericsson provides 3G technology in are Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Orissa, Jammu Kashmir; North East and Assam.