The contract is on a turnkey basis for the supply and roll out of Ericsson''s solutions - ethernet DSL access and ethernet aggregation technology into the MTNL network. It includes a complete end-to-end broadband access solution including upgrading of existing telephony lines with ethernet DSL technology, customer premises equipment, bandwidth provisioning system and aggregation network.

Reacting to the decision, Jan Campbell, managing director, Ericsson India said, "Ericsson is honoured to have been selected by MTNL in executing and delivering state of the art broadband access solutions to support MTNL''s vision of spearheading the broadband revolution in India."

The ADSL2+ technology selected by MTNL for the mass rollout, will allow it to offer up to 24mbps bandwidth to the customers over existing copper lines. Through its unique scalability and low cost of ownership, Ericsson''s ethernet DSL access solution is designed to enable cost-effective deployment from small to large nodes. The company says its ethernet DSL access enables high bandwidth-demand services to be supported, while at the same time reducing transmission costs.

Ericsson, a global leader in mobile and broadband internet communications has perations in 140 countries. MTNL, with a 13-per cent market share through its operations in New Delhi and Mumbai, is one of the largest Asian telecom companies.