The multi-year deal made by Bharti Airtel and Nokia is expected to boost network capacity, especially 4G and also improve customer experience. It’s also expected to be the foundation for the upcoming 5G connectivity era. This will deploy Nokia’s SRAN [Single Radio Access Network] solution across 9 circles in India.
It’ll see 3,00,000 radio network units released across several spectrum bands including 900 Mhz, 1800 Mhz, 2100 Mhz and 2300 Mhz, and it’s expected to be completed by 2022.
What they have to say:
“It’s said that Nokia’s SRAN solution helped operators to manage their 2G, 3G, and 4G networks, reducing network complexity, increasing cost efficiencies and future proofing investment. The deal also includes Nokia’s RAN equipment, including its AirScale Radio Access, AirScale BaseBand and NetAct OSS solution, which will help Airtel to monitor and manage its network effectively.
Nokia Global Services will also play a crucial role in the installation, planning and deployment of the project, which will be executed via the cloud-based Nokia Delivery Platform.”
“… 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,” said, Gopal Vittal, MD & CEO (India and South Asia) at Bharti Airtel.
“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…
…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,” said, Rajeev Suri, President and Chief Executive Officer at Nokia.
According to industry sources, the deal is close to $1 billion.
As India is second largest telecom market in the world and is reaching 920 million unique mobile customers in few years, among which there will be 88 million 5G connections, this seems like a good deal for both the companies.
As Nokia’s LTE network speed, reliability and data performance are recognized to be best in market*, it’ll be a good base for Airtel’s 5G network, when 5G will become mainstream in India.
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