NSN to begin 3G hardware production in India

BANGALORE, INDIA: Nokia Siemens Networks, a provider of telecommunication services, recently announced that it has started manufacturing 3G mobile communications infrastructure at its Chennai facility.

With this move, Nokia Siemens Networks becomes the country’s first telecommunications infrastructure vendor to manufacture 3G products locally.

“India is not just a high-growth market but also an innovation hub for us. Our manufacturing operations in India reflect our unwavering focus on the country and enhance our proximity to our customers,” said Urs Pennanen, head, India region, Nokia Siemens Networks.

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He added that with 3G licenses underway and the country taking huge strides in telecommunications, operators require a local manufacturing partner. This is definitely the right time and place to begin 3G manufacturing for India.

The first batch of LTE-ready 3G base stations rolled out of the Chennai facility last week. Nokia Siemens Networks will initially manufacture radio frequency modules and system modules, ramping-up production for both these products by almost three-fold towards the latter half of the year.

In addition, the company plans to commence production of transport modules and next-generation microwave radios from the second half of 2010, as well as increase its 3G manufacturing headcount from 75 to 210 by the third quarter 2010.

“While the products manufactured here are intended for both local and global markets, the demands of the Indian market will be given priority in the manufacturing decisions,” said Herbert Merz, head of operations, Nokia Siemens Networks. “With 3G manufacturing capabilities in the country, we will be able to facilitate a faster time to market of 3G services for our customers since all key elements, including production, distribution, logistics and remote delivery, will be taken care of locally.”

By developing the local ecosystem, Nokia Siemens Networks is showing its commitment to the roll-out of 3G services in India. The company has set-up 3G test labs in the country and has trained 3200 Indian field engineers to support 3G roll-outs.

Furthermore, the company’s Global Network Solutions Centers (GNSC's) in Noida and Chennai are fully equipped to manage 3G networks remotely. These GNSCs already serve 27 3G operators globally, maintaining, operating and optimizing their networks, which support millions of subscribers across the globe. Nokia Siemens Networks’ research and development (R&D) centre in Bangalore supports 3G-related initiatives for the domestic market, and the company has already carried out site surveys for 3G deployment.