The fastest way to get a buyback offer for surplus or decommissioned base station equipment is a clear equipment list. For each line you need six things: the model name, the part number from the label (Nokia sales code, Huawei BOM code or Ericsson product number), the quantity, the condition, the location and label photos. With those details we can identify every unit and reply with an offer. This guide shows how to build that list, with examples for Nokia, Huawei and Ericsson equipment, and how to send it through our sell your equipment page.
Why the list matters more than anything else
A buyer cannot make a reliable offer on “two pallets of radios”. Base station hardware comes in many variants that look almost identical but cover different bands, output powers or hardware generations. A Nokia FXED and FXEB are both 1800 MHz Flexi RF modules, an Ericsson Radio 2219 exists in several band versions, and Huawei baseband boards such as UBBPg2 and UBBPg2a differ by one letter. The part number on the label removes this uncertainty. A complete list also means fewer questions back and forth, so the whole process moves more smoothly for both sides.
The six fields every line should have
Use one line per model and condition. If you have the same module in two conditions (for example some new in box and some removed from site), list them as two lines.
| Field | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Nokia, Huawei or Ericsson | Nokia |
| Model / module name | The name printed on the unit | FSMF, ABIA, FRGU, UBBPg2, Radio 4415 B3 |
| Part number | Nokia sales code, Huawei BOM code or Ericsson product number (KRC/KDU) from the label | 472181A (Nokia FSMF) |
| Quantity | Number of units on this line | 24 |
| Condition | New in original packaging, working when removed from site, or unknown status; note any damage | Working when removed, 2 units with missing covers |
| Location | Country and city; warehouse or still on site | Warehouse, Lagos, Nigeria |
A spreadsheet with these columns is ideal, but a typed list in an email or WhatsApp message is fine to start.
Where to find the part number on each brand
Nokia: module name and sales code
Nokia Flexi and AirScale units carry a short module name such as FSMF, ASIA, ABIA, FXED or AREA, and a sales code in the format six digits plus a letter, for example 472181A for the FSMF or 473096A for the ABIA. Both are printed on the type label together with the serial number. Labels often show a suffix after a dot (such as .101), which indicates a version of the same item; include it if it is visible. Our guide on identifying Nokia product codes explains how to read these labels in detail.
For AirScale, list the AMIA subrack and its plug-in units separately or state clearly that the subrack is complete with, for example, one ASIA and two ABIA cards installed.
Huawei: board name and BOM code
Huawei boards and radio units show the board or module name (for example UMPTe, UBBPg2 or RRU5904) and a BOM code on the label, along with a bar-coded serial number. The BOM code is the most precise identifier and is what we use to tell close variants apart. If a BBU chassis still contains boards, list the chassis and each board inside it.
Ericsson: product number and R-state
Ericsson radio units and baseband units are identified by a product number on the label: radios typically use KRC numbers (for example KRC 161 620/1 on a Radio 2219 B3) and baseband units use KDU numbers. The label also shows the R-state (hardware revision) and the serial number. Include the product number and band exactly as printed, since one radio model can exist in several band versions.
Condition: how to describe it honestly
Condition is the second most important factor after identity. Keep it simple and consistent:
- New in original packaging – never installed, still in the factory box.
- Working when removed – was in service until a swap or decommissioning.
- Unknown status – for example spares from a warehouse with no history.
Add a short note for any visible damage: broken connectors, missing covers or handles, bent pins, damaged fans or corrosion. Accurate notes at this stage prevent misunderstandings later.
Label photos: what to send
You do not need to photograph every unit. In most cases the following is enough to prepare an offer:
- One clear label photo per model, taken straight on, with the model name, part number and serial number readable.
- One overall photo of the unit for each model, showing the general condition.
- One or two photos of how the stock is stored or packed, such as pallets or cartons in a warehouse.
Avoid flash glare on shiny labels, and if a label is damaged, photograph it anyway and mention it in the list.
Example of a finished equipment list
The table below shows what a mixed lot from a site modernisation might look like. Quantities and locations are illustrative.
| Brand | Model | Part number | Qty | Condition | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nokia | FSMF | 472181A | 18 | Working when removed | Warehouse |
| Nokia | FXED | 472924A | 40 | Working when removed | Warehouse |
| Nokia | ABIA | 473096A | 6 | New in original packaging | Warehouse |
| Huawei | UBBPg2 | BOM code from label | 10 | Unknown status | Still on site |
| Ericsson | Radio 2219 B3 | KRC number from label | 12 | Working when removed | Warehouse |
Equipment we buy
We buy Huawei, Ericsson and Nokia equipment only (we do not buy ZTE). This includes RRUs and radio units, baseband units, BBUs and baseband boards, DWDM optical modules, OLT and OSN equipment. Working units removed from site, surplus stock and new equipment in original packaging are all welcome, in any lot size. For DWDM, OLT and OSN equipment, list the chassis model, card names and part numbers in the same way. You can see the type of Nokia equipment that is in demand on our Nokia product category page.
How the buyback works
- Send your list with label photos through the form on our sell your equipment page, by WhatsApp or by email.
- We review it and send an offer based on the models, part numbers, quantities and condition you provide.
- Close the deal locally. In most countries the deal can be closed face to face with our local agent.
- Shipping. Our local agent takes care of shipping, and for large lots can arrange collection from site.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Listing only the family name. “Nokia RF module” or “Huawei RRU” is not enough; give the exact model and part number.
- Mixing conditions on one line. Split new and used units into separate lines.
- Forgetting boards inside chassis. BBUs and AirScale subracks often contain the most valuable cards.
- Removing or covering labels during dismantling. Keep labels intact and readable.
- Waiting for the final count. A provisional list during a swap is useful; confirm final quantities later.
FAQ
Do I need a spreadsheet to request a quote?
No. A spreadsheet is convenient, but a clear text list with label photos sent by email or WhatsApp works just as well.
What if I cannot find the part number?
Send a clear photo of the label. The model name, part number and serial number are usually all on it, and we can read them from the photo.
Can one list include several brands?
Yes. Mixed lots of Nokia, Huawei and Ericsson equipment can be listed together and quoted at the same time.
Is there a minimum quantity?
No. We consider lots of any size, from a few units to full decommissioning batches.
Send us your equipment list
Ready to sell surplus or decommissioned Nokia, Huawei or Ericsson equipment? Send your list through the form on our sell your equipment page, message us on WhatsApp at +86 187 3329 4669 or +86 139 3088 8705, or email jack@telecombts.com. We will review your list and reply with an offer.