Nokia has secured a significant three-year contract with Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) to supply 4G and 5G equipment. This agreement will modernize and expand VIL’s existing 4G network, ensuring premium connectivity for over 200 million customers.
This comes after Vi announced that it has sealed ~USD 3.6 billion (~Rs. 30,000 crore) deal with Nokia, Ericsson and Samsung, for supply of network equipment over a period of three years.
Nokia will leverage its advanced 5G AirScale portfolio, powered by ReefShark System-on-Chip technology, to deliver cutting-edge 5G capabilities. This includes base stations, baseband units, and innovative Habrok Massive MIMO radios. The company will also upgrade VIL’s 4G network with multiband radios and baseband equipment, providing a seamless transition to 5G.
To enhance network performance and efficiency, Nokia will implement its industry-leading MantaRay SON platform. This self-configuring solution optimizes network operations and addresses specific challenges faced by VIL. Nokia will also provide comprehensive services, including planning, deployment, integration, and network optimization.
As a long-standing partner of VIL, Nokia has played a crucial role in the deployment of its 2G, 3G, 4G, and now 5G networks. This latest contract solidifies Nokia’s position as a leading provider of telecommunications solutions in the Indian market.
Akshaya Moondra, CEO of Vodafone Idea Limited, said:
We are committed to providing a best-in-class 4G and 5G experience to our customers and this new deal with Nokia, who has been our partner since the beginning, will help us to deliver that. 5G will bring seamless high-speed connectivity and increased capacity, supporting citizens and enterprises alike. This will also enable unprecedented levels of innovation and efficiency across various sectors, empowering organizations to thrive in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.
Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said:
Nokia is proud to be Vodafone Idea’s partner in the next stage of its network evolution. This is a continuation of our long-term partnership that has lasted for over three decades and highlights their trust in our technology portfolio. They will benefit from the very latest products and innovations from our industry-leading, energy-efficient AirScale portfolio that will bring premium quality capacity and connectivity to their customers. We look forward to working with Vodafone Idea on this exciting deployment.