New Delhi, July 8 (IANS): Global IT and telecommunications services provider Orange Business Services has entered into an agreement with Tata Communications to expand its network footprint in India, it was announced on Wednesday.

"The Network-to-Network Interconnect (NNI) agreement is part of a strategic partnership between the two companies and will increase Orange domestic coverage 10-fold to over 120 cities to meet customer demand," a statement here said.

The NNI will enable Orange to utilize Tata Communications' 120 points of presence (PoPs), extending Orange Business Services' reach to tier-II and tier-III cities such as Pune, Bhopal and Ernakulam.

"The increased domestic footprint of the Orange network in India is particularly suited to support the expansion plans of global multinational customers looking to connect to the farthest corners of India with robust and reliable network services, featuring global service level agreements and straightforward billing," the statement said.

"This partnership will enable us to offer customers wider and more competitive end-to-end, fully managed network services as they expand within India. With the partnership, we are well equipped to address the requirements of our global and domestic customers," Christopher Ozer, head of Global Communications Solutions - Asia Pacific, Orange Business Services said.

"As India continues to make waves as an emerging market powerhouse, there continues to be rapid expansion of international business into India. These companies require a strong network provider which is critical for these ambitions," Conor Carroll, senior vice president Europe, Asia and the America, Tata Communications said.