Bharti Airtel has announced a partnership with Nokia and Qualcomm to enhance its 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and Wi-Fi solutions, aiming to expand high-speed internet access across India.
This partnership builds on Nokia’s existing role as Airtel’s trusted network equipment provider. Recently, Nokia’s contract was extended to deploy 4G and 5G equipment in key Indian cities and states.
Deployment of Advanced 5G Equipment
Under this new agreement, Nokia will provide Airtel with its 5G FWA outdoor gateway receiver and Wi-Fi 6 Access Point, both incorporating Qualcomm’s Modem-RF and Wi-Fi 6 chipsets. This collaboration is particularly aimed at areas where traditional fiber connectivity is limited or difficult to install.
The initiative leverages the capabilities of 5G technology to offer broadband services, addressing India’s challenge with low fiber penetration alongside high digital service demand.
Enhancing Connectivity with FastMile 5G
Airtel will utilize Nokia’s FastMile 5G outdoor receivers designed for multi-dwelling units, which can serve two households at once, potentially lowering connection costs for users.
These receivers come equipped with high-gain antennas for better broadband access over longer distances, and they use Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) for straightforward installation on surfaces like walls, balconies, or poles.
Improving Indoor Internet Experience
Inside homes, Airtel plans to install Nokia’s Wi-Fi 6 access points to improve the user experience with features like intelligent mesh networking and self-optimization, ensuring comprehensive and high-quality internet coverage.
Commitment to Sustainability
Additionally, both the 5G FWA devices and Wi-Fi 6 access points will be manufactured in India, with packaging made from fully recyclable materials, highlighting a commitment to sustainability.
Speaking about the partnership, Randeep Sekhon, CTO of Bharti Airtel, said:
This collaboration with Nokia and Qualcomm highlights our commitment to providing an outstanding network experience for our customers. We believe that Nokia’s 5G Fixed Wireless Access and Wi-Fi 6 Access Point solutions will play a crucial role in delivering high-speed internet to underserved regions and meeting the demand for a seamless and superior broadband experience.
Commenting on the partnership, Sandy Motley, President of Fixed Networks at Nokia, said:
India’s vast size and population density create unique challenges for broadband connectivity. In areas where deploying fiber is difficult, FWA can offer reliable wireless broadband access. Through our 5G FWA and Wi-Fi 6 solutions, developed in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Bharti Airtel can deliver fiber-like speeds, which are increasingly essential in today’s digital economy. We are excited to support Bharti Airtel in its mission to connect more communities with high-speed broadband.
Speaking about the collaboration, Rahul Patel, Group General Manager, Connectivity, Broadband & Networking, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., said:
We are thrilled to be part of this new generation of products by Bharti Airtel and Nokia, designed to deliver optimized performance, expanded coverage, and enhanced user experiences. The combination of 5G FWA and Wi-Fi 6 access points is a powerful solution for bridging the connectivity gap, making it an ideal choice for Indian homes and businesses.