Airtel has announced its partnership with Nokia with multi-year agreement to deploy Nokia’s Single Radio Access Network (SRAN) solution to enhance Airtel 4G connectivity and also lay the groundwork for Airtel’s 5G rollout in the future. The deployment is expected to be completed by 2022 and will be rolled out in 9 circles across India.
Nokia’s SRAN solutions will help reduce network complexity and increase cost efficiencies by providing Airtel a single platform to manage their 2G, 3G and 4G networks. Nokia will provide RAN equipment like their AirScale Radio Access, AirScale BaseBand and NetAct OSS solution and deploy over 300000 radio units across several spectrum bands, including 900 Mhz, 1800 Mhz, 2100 Mhz and 2300 Mhz.
The multi-year deal is pegged at close to $1 billion (Rs. 7,636 crore approx.), according to reports.
Commenting on the partnership, Gopal Vittal, MD & CEO (India and South Asia) at Bharti Airtel, said:
Airtel has consistently topped network performance charts in studies conducted by multiple global experts. We are committed to continuously invest in emerging network technologies to provide a best-in-class experience to our customers. This initiative with Nokia is a major step in this direction. We have been working with Nokia for more than a decade now and are delighted to use Nokia’s SRAN products in further improving the capacity and coverage of our network as we prepare for the 5G era.
Rajeev Suri, President and Chief Executive Officer at Nokia, said:
This is an important agreement for the future of connectivity in one of the world’s largest telecoms markets and solidifies our position in India. We have worked closely with Bharti Airtel for many years and are delighted to extend this long-standing partnership further. This project will enhance their current networks and deliver best-in-class connectivity to Airtel customers but also lay the foundations for 5G services in the future.