India. Aircel Limited

Date of loan: 31 March 2011
Country: India
Borrower: Aircel Limited
NACE sector/loan type: Post and telecommunications

Focus sectors

Project

The 10-year-maturity loan totalling USD 100 million (EUR 72 million) has been provided to finance the company's new 3G and broadband wireless access project in India. Aircel Limited has won a national auction for building 3G in 13 of India's national telecom circles and 8 broadband wireless access circles. As a result of this investment programme, Aircel expects to treble its subscriber base to 156 million and increase its market share from 9% to 13%.

With a population of almost 700 million subscribers, India is the world's second largest mobile market. The country's mobile subscriber base continues to be the fastest growing in the world. In 2009 alone, India added over 178 million subscribers.

Compliance with NIB's mandate

The Nordic suppliers Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Networks have turnkey contracts with Aircel as part of framework agreements covering the network implementation of six telecom circles for Ericsson and three for NSN. Both Nordic producers have established large, globally integrated R&D centres in India for developing innovative solutions for both technology (particularly, improving energy efficiency) and value added services. Technological cooperation with Aircel and the involvement in 3G rollout in India will further increase the competitiveness of these member country companies.

Environmental summary

The main environmental issue is the management of electronic waste, i.e. how exchanged equipment is disposed of.

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