Harris Stratex Networks, a provider of wireless solutions that enable the evolution of next-generation fixed and mobile broadband networks, has signed a contract with ICOMM, an Indian group in the field of telecom, power transmission and distribution EPC, solar and infrastructure, to supply, install, commission and maintain an IEEE 802.16e mobile WiMAX network for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL). Under the multi-year contract, Harris Stratex will supply its StarMAX WiMAX solution to extend BSNL’s public wireless access network to provide high-speed wireless mobility services to enterprise and retail customers in urban areas across the southern Indian state of Kerala.
Under the agreement, Harris Stratex will supply its StarMAX WiMAX Forum Certified IEEE 802.16e-2005 base stations, along with solutions for access services network (ASN) gateway; home agent; authentication, authorisation and accounting; and network management system. Customer premises equipment and subscriber units will be supplied by ICOMM, along with deployment and project management services.
In 2008, the government of India awarded BSNL 20MHz of spectrum in the 2.5 GHz band, enabling the operator to introduce mobile WiMAX to expand the reach of its broadband network to deliver services to India’s un-served and under-served communities, including rural and urban areas. The contract award to ICOMM and Harris Stratex will enable broadband services to be deployed throughout the state of Kerala.
Harald Braun, president and CEO, Harris Stratex, said, “We are thrilled to work with ICOMM to deploy one of the world’s largest 4G WiMAX networks for BSNL.”