Airtel signs $150 mln agreement with IBM

New Delhi, Jan 20 (UNI) Country's leading telecom service provider, Bharti Airtel today signed a 150 million dollar agreement with IBM to provide a gamut of services to its customers.

The agreement will enable Bharti to offer to its customers 'One Airtel' experience spanning broadband, media (IPTV, DTH) and enterprise businesses.

''IBM is proud to be associated with Bharti Airtel as it continues to write telecom history in India. We are geared up to support the growth and expansion of Bharti Airtel and will continue to bring in global best practices and innovative solutions,'' Vice President Communications Sector, Asia-Pacific, IBM, Ramesh Awtaney said.

With its entry in the telemedia business of Direct to Home (DTH) and IPTV, Bharti Airtel through its partnership with IBM, will implement IT systems that will enable it to launch differentiated services in these new thrust areas. This will also help in leveraging the current channels of Bharti Airtel to deliver new services.

IBM will also enhance the delivery of value added products and services to the prepaid segments.

'' With a thrust on these new areas, we are leapfrogging to the next level which will empower our customers to make informed choices and provide seamless access to a host of services,'' Director IT and Innovation, Bharti Airtel, Dr Jai Menon said.

In order to improve customer satisfaction and provide seamless services, IBM will work with Bharti Airtel in areas including LCR (Least Cost Routing), GIS, Auto Discovery, Auto Provisioning and Auto Activation. These applications will help to bring in enhanced efficiencies and cost savings, besides improving service delivery.

UNI PDT BJR AS1612