Sistema Shyam Teleservices Update by Saumin Patel

     Telecom operatorSistema Shyam Teleservices Ltd (SSTL), which offers services underMTS brand, today said it has inked a three-year managed services deal with networking gear maker Ericsson for four circles.

These circles include Uttar Pradesh (East), Uttar Pradesh (West), Gujarat and Rajasthan. The deal size was, however, not disclosed.

As per the agreement, Ericsson will be responsible for network optimisation; operations and maintenance including field operations and 24/7 network service assurance, a joint statement said.

The contract also includes management of fiber transport and wireline networks in Rajasthan, as well as network service provisioning, customer problem management and spare parts management, it added.

Also, 200SSTL employees in Rajasthan will joinEricsson India.

In September last year, SSTL awarded a three-year managed services contract to Ericsson to manage their multi-vendor wireless networks in two circles - Delhi and Haryana.

"Strengthening our existing relationship with Ericsson, we have entrusted them with the responsibility of managing an additional four circles along with the management of our largest fiber transport and wireline networks," SSTL President and CEOVsevolod Rozanov said.

This association is expected to further enhance our efficiencies and ensure quality service for SSTL customers, he added.

"This is an important milestone for Ericsson in India, as we are extending our relationship with SSTL in three directions: time, geography and scope," Ericsson Head Services business) Magnus Mandersson said.

For the first time in India, Ericsson will manage fiber transport and wireline networks, he added.

SSTL is a joint venture between Russia's Sistema, the Russian Federation and the Shyam Group (India). It offers CDMA services and has over 11 million wireless subscribers.

SAUMIN PATEL