News Broadcasting
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.
News Broadcasting
BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobs in biggest overhaul in 15 years
Cost pressures and leadership change drive major workforce reduction plan
LONDON: BBC has unveiled plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs, roughly 10 per cent of its global workforce, in what marks its biggest downsizing in 15 years.
The announcement was made during an all-staff meeting led by interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies, as the broadcaster moves to tackle mounting financial pressures and reshape its operations.
Between 1,800 and 2,000 roles are expected to be eliminated from a workforce of around 21,500. The cuts form part of a broader plan to save £500 million over the next two years, aimed at offsetting rising costs, stagnating licence fee income and weaker commercial revenues.
In a communication to staff, BBC interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies said, “I know this creates real uncertainty, but we wanted to be open about the challenge,” acknowledging the impact the move would have across the organisation.
The restructuring comes at a time of leadership transition. Former director-general Tim Davie stepped down earlier this month, with Matt Brittin, a former Google executive, set to take over the role on May 18, 2026.
While some cost-cutting measures are being implemented immediately, the majority of the structural changes are expected to roll out over the next few years, with full savings targeted by the 2027–2028 financial year.
The broadcaster had earlier signalled its intent to reduce its cost base by around 10 per cent over a three-year period, warning of “difficult choices” as it adapts to shifting economic realities and audience expectations.
With operating costs hovering around £6 billion annually, the BBC’s latest move underscores the scale of the financial challenge it faces, as it balances public service commitments with the need for long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
