Nokia Siemens Networks rolls out 3G products from Chennai plant

Global telecommunications equipment supplier Nokia Siemens Networks said that it plans to invest an additional Rs105 crore at its facility near Chennai to became the country's first telecommunications infrastructure vendor to manufacture 3G products locally.

The expanded facility, which was inaugurated by the deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu, MMK Stalin on Saturday, will take one of the world's largest telecommunications hardware, software and services companies investment to over Rs300 crore as per the MoU signed in 2008 with TN Government.

The facility, with state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities has so far been involved in the production of 2G communication infrastructure for local and global customers.

''India is not just a high-growth market but also an innovation hub for us. Our manufacturing operations in India reflect our unwavering focus on the country and enhance our proximity to our customers,'' said Urs Pennanen, head of the India region at Nokia Siemens Networks.

''With 3G licenses underway and the country taking huge strides in telecommunications, operators require a local manufacturing partner. This is definitely the right time and place to begin 3G manufacturing for India,'' he added.

The first batch of LTE-ready 3G base stations rolled out of the Chennai facility last week.