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Alcatel-Lucent wins contract for 2 mn GSM lines with ITI for MTNL’s network expansion
BANGALORE: Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) and ITI, India’s largest telecom equipment manufacturing company, today announced a contract to supply and install 2 million lines for MTNL (Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited) based on advanced wireless communications technology.
This multi-million euro contract covers the expansion of MTNL’s radio access and next-generation core network in Mumbai, India, and is based on Alcatel-Lucent’s GSM/EDGE and W-CDMA/HSPA technologies. It further demonstrates Alcatel-Lucent’s leadership in high-growth economies such as India.
Alcatel-Lucent and ITI have a long-term collaboration agreement for the production and deployment of Alcatel-Lucent’s latest generation GSM/EDGE and W-CDMA/HSPA solutions in India. The technology provided through this new contract will make it possible for MTNL to increase its customer base and deliver high-quality voice and other communications services to its subscribers in Mumbai. MTNL expects to begin commercially offering these services later this year.
“We are proud of the fact that with the deployment of these 2 million mobile lines employing advanced wireless technologies from Alcatel-Lucent, we will enable MTNL to become the first telecom operator in India to provide third-generation services to its subscribers,” said ITI CMD, Mr. Pritam Singh.
“With the deepest and broadest wireless portfolio in the industry, and being the long-standing partner of ITI in India, we are bringing the latest third-generation technology to India,” said Olivier Picard, President of Alcatel–Lucent’s Europe and South activities. “This advanced technology will provide the high quality of service that the people of India deserve. Our goal is to create long-term value for all our customers by addressing their most critical challenges.”
Alcatel-Lucent has more than 170 GSM/EDGE customers in more than 90 countries, making it a leading player in providing mobile communications solutions. As a global leader in the development and deployment of third-generation (3G) networks, Alcatel-Lucent has deployed commercial 3G (CDMA2000 and W-CDMA/HSPA) systems for more than 70 operators worldwide.
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Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
