ZTE bags telecom equipment contract from SSTL

NEW DELHI: China-based telecom equipment-maker ZTE Corporation today said it has bagged technology expansion contracts from Sistema Shyam TeleServices Ltd ( SSTL) for an undisclosed amount.

ZTE has won CDMA expansion contracts and EV-DO -- a network protocol used by cell phones for wireless Internet communications -- upgrade contracts for 10 circles of SSTL, which operates under MTS brand, ZTE said in a statement.

However, the company did not disclose the financial details of the contract.

The company will commercially launch the EV-DO Rev.B Phase 2 in Rajasthan. The commercial use of EV-DO Rev.B technology will greatly enhance the existing service speeds of mobile broadband on SSTL's network.

The Phase 2 technology can further enhance the base transceiver station (BTS) cell capacity, spectrum efficiency and peak rate to enable a high speed rate, the statement added.

"This would enable us to cater to the fast-growing demand for high-speed mobile broadband in the country. SSTL currently provides high-speed mobile broadband services in over 150 towns across India," SSTL President and Chief Executive Officer Vsevolod Rozanov said.

ZTE and SSTL have been strategic partners since 2008. This win underlines that ZTE's CDMA technology, engineering services and other integrated capabilities have been fully recognised by SSTL, it added.

"This contract will serve to further enhance SSTL's service offerings and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two companies. We will continue to provide world-class products and services to the Indian market and focus on enhancing our leadership position," ZTE India CEO Cui Liangjun said.

SSTL is a joint venture between Russia-based Sistema and India's Shyam Group.