In a significant move towards enhancing digital infrastructure, Vodafone Idea has partnered with Nokia for a project to upgrade and extend its optical transport network across vital regions in India. This collaboration aims to meet the surging demand for increased network capacity crucial for 4G and eventual 5G deployment. Nokia’s cutting-edge optical switching technology is pivotal in this transformation, promising not only to manage current data needs but also prepare for future network demands.
This initiative stands as a strategic effort to modernize infrastructure, ensuring that the Indian carrier can efficiently transition to 5G technologies. Nokia’s advanced solutions offer scalability from C-band to C+L band, a flexible approach eliminating the need for extensive changes in the infrastructure or architecture later on.
Jagbir Singh, Vodafone Idea’s CTO, highlighted the alignment of Nokia’s solutions with their objectives. He remarked, “Nokia’s innovative optical solutions align perfectly with our goal to enhance customer experience and ensure robust network readiness for future demands.”
The deployment of 5G services began in Mumbai, supported by Nokia’s energy-efficient technology. Alongside this, an AI-powered Self-Organizing Network (SON) is in place to dynamically optimize network performance. Subscribers are offered unlimited 5G plans starting at INR 299 ($3.46), an attractive proposition as Vodafone Idea broadens its footprint.
Although Vodafone Idea is the third-largest private telecom operator in India, it still aims to bolster its market position. Currently covering 77% of the Indian population, the carrier plans to hike this to 90% by mid-2025. This step is essential, given that competitors like Reliance Jio Infocomm and Bharti Airtel have already rolled out extensive 5G networks nationwide.
In the background, Vodafone Idea is bolstering its financial position to support this expansion. It raised new funds for network advancements to curtail subscriber losses, focusing on its 17 licensed telecom circles. This approach mirrors their broader strategy to enhance both 4G and 5G coverage and deliver superior customer experiences, especially in regions with heavy roaming traffic.
The partnership with Nokia is part of a series of strategic deals, including those with other giants like Ericsson and Samsung, cumulatively worth $3.6 billion over three years. These collaborations underline Vodafone Idea’s commitment to evolving as a frontrunner in India’s digital landscape
