Swedish telecom major Ericsson plans to invest $15-20 million in its second manufacturing facility in India as it seeks to make inroads into one of the key markets for the company , Hans Vestberg, president and chief executive officer of the world's largest telecom equipment maker, told reporters recently.

The company is buil ding its second unit in Pune to manufacture radio equipment, which would be exported to about 180 countries. Vestberg said the facility was expected to be ready by middle of the next year. At present, the company has a unit in Rajasthan.

"India is a very important market for us," Vestberg said, while detailing plans for raising the headcount in the country from the current 21,200 employees.

Vestberg said there was a technological revolution sweeping the world and impacting various sectors. "Strengthening our position as a leading software company as well as early leadership in the standardization and realization of the next generation of mobile networks, or 5G, are key factors of success." Vestberg and his team are in India to take part in the company's technology event and is ex pected to meet policymakers as well the key customers.

The company has been selected by Bharti Airtel to expand its 3G network. Bharti Airtel signed a four-year agreement to expand 3G WCDMA network across eight telecom circles in the country, including rolling out of services in 900 megahertz band in three circles.

As part of the contract, Ericsson will provide multistandard radio equipment for macro and small cells and this will enable energy-efficient and cost-effective operations, while allowing the operator to meet demand of better and faster mobile connectivity .