Following Nokia Siemens Networks' refusal to participate in BSNL's mobile network expansion as reported in Asia Express dated July 6, 2007, BSNL announced on December 25 that it will re-invite bids for nine million GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) lines. The bidding process is expected to be finalized in January 2008, according to a report by The Hindu.

Meanwhile, Swedish Ericsson - which holds 60% of the US$900 million network - has refused to take over the part of the project left by Nokia Siemens Networks, according to The Hindu Business Line. The 13.5 million GSM lines currently under construction by Ericsson are slated for completion within the next three to four months.