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Nokia and Bharti Airtel announced a multi-year agreement Tuesday to implement Nokia’s SRAN solution in nine circles in India. The deal, which according to an industry source is tied to about $ 1 billion, will help Airtel improve the network capacity of its networks, in particular 4G, and improve the customer experience.
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“The launch, which will also lay the groundwork for providing 5G connectivity in the future, will see approximately 300,000 radio units deployed in various spectrum bands, including 900 Mhz, 1800 Mhz, 2100 Mhz and 2300 Mhz, and is expected to be completed sooner. 2022 “, according to a joint statement issued by the companies.
He added that these networks supplied by Nokia will give Airtel the best possible platform when 5G networks are launched across the country, with their low latency and faster speeds.
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“Big step”
Gopal Vittal, MD and CEO (India and South Asia) at Bharti Airtel said: “We are committed to continually investing in emerging network technologies to provide the best-in-class experience for our clients. This initiative with Nokia is an important step in this direction. We have been working with Nokia for over a decade and are delighted to use Nokia’s SRAN products to further enhance the capacity and coverage of our network as we prepare for the 5G era. “
Rajeev Suri, President and CEO of Nokia, added: “This is an important agreement for the future of connectivity in one of the largest telecommunications markets in the world and consolidates our position in India. This project will enhance their existing networks and offer best-in-class connectivity to Airtel customers, but will also lay the foundation for 5G services in the future. “
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Second largest market
India is the second largest telecommunications market in the world and is expected to reach 920 million unique mobile clients by 2025, which will also include 88 million 5G connections, according to the GSMA.
The statement added that Nokia’s SRAN solution helps operators manage their 2G, 3G and 4G networks from one platform, reducing network complexity, increasing cost efficiency and future-proof investment.
“The deal will also include Nokia’s RAN equipment, including its AirScale Radio Access, AirScale BaseBand and NetAct OSS solution, which will help Airtel effectively monitor and manage its network. Nokia Global Services will also play a crucial role in the installation, planning and implementation of the project, which will be executed through Nokia’s cloud-based delivery platform, ”he said.
(With AFP inputs)
