Ericsson has reportedly won a multi-million contract to upgrade Vodafone India's 2G network and roll out 3G in five of India's 22 telecom circles, taking over from Nokia as the equipment vendor in the areas.
A source close to the deal told the Economic Times that Ericsson is swapping Nokia equipment installed in the Vodafone networks across 10 states.
The report states that this is one of Ericsson's largest contracts in India in recent times and represents a strong move in the ongoing battle for market share among equipment vendors in the nation.
Ericsson is now supplying 3G equipment to Vodafone in 11 circles. The apparent win comes on the back of a series of 3G deals in the market, including to replace Nokia equipment for Idea Cellular in the Delhi circle.
According to the report Vodafone has commenced vendor consolidation for both equipment and services as part of an ongoing operational efficiency drive.