Vodafone is rumoured to be preparing to award a $1.8bn network contract for its recently acquired Indian operation.

The operator paid out $11bn for a controlling stake in Hutchison Essar earlier this year and is keen to expand the coverage of the operator’s GSM network.

Local reports suggest that the tender will be split between Nokia Siemens Networks, Ericsson and Motorola.

he decision to go ahead with the contract comes as the operator’s shareholding structure is being investigated following Vodafone’s acquisition $11.1 billion deal to acquire 67 per cent of Hutchison Essar.