Finnish company Nokia has sealed a multi-year extension agreement with Indian telecom giant Bharti Airtel to deploy both 4G and 5G equipment across key regions in India. This agreement includes the deployment of Nokia’s 5G AirScale portfolio which contains base stations, baseband units, and advanced Massive MIMO radios. Each component is powered by Nokia’s cutting-edge ReefShark System-on-Chip technology.
Nokia’s solutions are designed to bolster Airtel’s existing network with added 5G capacity and extended coverage. There is also a significant push to modernize Airtel’s 4G network using multiband radios and baseband equipment that also support the latest 5G technology. This modernization strategy aims to accommodate the growing demand for mobile data and the shift towards 5G connectivity.
Simultaneously, Bharti Airtel will capitalize on Nokia’s MantaRay Network Management system, which facilitates intelligent network monitoring. This system integrates AI-based tools for digital deployment and optimization, ensuring efficient network management.
At the heart of the matter, Gopal Vittal, vice chairman and managing director at Bharti Airtel, explained the importance of this deal: “This strategic partnership with Nokia will future proof our network infrastructure and provide customers with unparalleled user experience along with a network that will be eco-friendly to minimize environmental impact.”
Additionally, Pekka Lundmark, president and CEO of Nokia, commented: “Our AirScale portfolio and AI-based services will enhance the energy efficiency of Airtel’s network, enabling premium 5G capacity and connectivity.”
Notably, Nokia and Bharti Airtel previously launched the ‘Green 5G Initiative,’ aiming to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions for Airtel’s network. This extension of their partnership further underscores their commitment to sustainable telecom solutions.
