Redback Networks Inc., an Ericsson company that makes video-centric routers for 75% of the world's largest triple-play networks, on Wednesday announced a deal to deliver broadband-on-demand services for Bharti Airtel LTD (Airtel), India's largest private integrated telecom services provider. Under the agreement, Redback's SmartEdge 400 router platform and NetOp policy management software will deliver a mix of pre-paid and on-demand broadband services for Airtel broadband fixed line subscribers.
Today, Airtel has more than 55 million total subscribers and is the largest private telecom services provider in India. Over time, Redback and Ericsson will help Airtel unify its fixed and mobile infrastructure to provide a combination of residential and business services. "India is a growth rocket for on-demand broadband and pre-paid broadband services, and Airtel is the largest private telecom services provider in this market," said Herve Brunet, vice president, Asia-Pacific sales and operations, Redback Networks.
"On-demand broadband routing is one of the biggest trends reshaping telecommunications, and India joins China as one of the biggest growth opportunities for Redback." Redback routers manage data, voice and video services for 75% of the world's largest telephone companies. More than 40% of Redback routers also provide business services for top 20 carriers.
Typical network applications managed by SmartEdge routers include broadband access (such as high-speed Internet services), edge routing (such as VoIP and VPN services) and Ethernet aggregation (such as IPTV and other video services).

Redback Networks was acquired by Ericsson in January 2007. Over the last 15 months, Redback has won more than 100 carrier deals with Ericsson in 55 countries, including four of the top 10 mobile carriers and two additional top 20 fixed carriers.