Indian telecommunications giant Bharti Airtel and Ericsson have signed a strategic agreement to expand Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services throughout India. This collaboration aims to enhance Bharti Airtel’s core capabilities and network capacity to meet the increasing demand for data connectivity.
The deal involves deploying a new platform by Ericsson that promises high capacity, a smaller footprint, and improved total cost of ownership for Bharti Airtel. Built on their existing 5G Core, this solution reflects their ongoing commitment to robust infrastructure capable of supporting a surge in data demand.
Randeep Sekhon, Chief Technology Officer at Bharti Airtel, noted the new Ericsson Packet Core deployment architecture is foundational, enabling enhancements in network quality and reliability. Such strategic implementations are crucial for managing increasing customer demands effectively.
This partnership showcases an ambitious vision for 5G monetization and digital inclusion in India. Andres Vicente, the head of market area Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India at Ericsson, expressed pride in continuing their technological journey with Bharti Airtel. He emphasized that this isn’t solely about cutting-edge technology, but about bridging the digital divide across the nation.
Earlier this year, Bharti Airtel and Ericsson expanded their partnership to enhance connectivity for millions of users and support the transition to a full-scale 5G Standalone (5G SA) network. The Indian carrier uses equipment from major suppliers including Ericsson, Nokia, and Samsung to provide 5G services.
