Nokia and Bharti Airtel (Airtel) have announced a major multi-year, multi-billion dollar deal to expand 4G and deploy 5G equipment across key locations in India.
This agreement builds on a 20+ year partnership between the two companies.
Nokia will provide 5G equipment from its AirScale portfolio, including base stations, baseband units, and Massive MIMO radios, all powered by its energy-efficient ReefShark technology.
Nokia will modernise Airtel’s existing 4G network with multiband radios and baseband equipment to support 5G and provide its MantaRay Network Management system for AI-powered network monitoring, management, and optimisation.
This will allow Airtel to enhance network capacity and coverage for exceptional 5G performance, provide future-proof network infrastructure for evolving customer needs, improve energy efficiency, and reduce environmental impact through the Green 5G Initiative.
Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and MD of Bharti Airtel said, ‘Airtel has been a pioneer in network innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries for delivering cutting-edge connectivity solutions. This strategic partnership with Nokia will future-proof our network infrastructure and provide customers with an unparalleled user experience and an eco-friendly network to minimise environmental impact.
Pekka Lundmark, Nokia’s President and CEO, said, ‘This strategic agreement further solidifies our long-standing collaboration with Airtel and our footprint in India. Our industry-leading AirScale portfolio and AI-based services will enhance the energy efficiency of Airtel’s network, enabling premium 5G capacity and connectivity with the highest quality of service for subscribers.’
