Nokia bags multi-billion extension and multi-year deal from Bharti Airtel
As part of it, the Finnish telecom gear maker will deploy 4G and 5G equipment across Indian cities
New Delhi: Finnish telecommunication gear maker Nokia on Wednesday bagged a multi-billion extension and multi-year deal from Bharti Airtel to deploy 4G and 5G equipment across Indian cities. The much-awaited deal is expected to strengthen its partnership with 4G and 5G contract extension in preparation for 5G-advanced network evolution in the country, the company said in a statement.
Besides the historic deal, Nokia also said that their partnership has recently reached new heights with the launch of green 5G initiatives, aimed at improving the energy efficiency of Airtel's overall network and carbon emission in line with the company's ambitious emission reducing target.
As per the contract, Nokia will deploy equipment from its cutting-edge 5G AirScale portfolio, including base stations, baseband units and the latest generation of massive MIMO radios, all powered by its energy-efficient ReefShark system-on-chip technology.
"These solutions will enhance Airtel’s network with exceptional 5G capacity and coverage and support its network evolution. Furthermore, Nokia will modernise Airtel's existing 4G network with multiband radios and baseband equipment, which can also support 5G," the company said.
Similarly, Airtel will also be leveraging Nokia's MantaRay Network Management for intelligent network monitoring and management that uses AI-based tools covering digital deployment, optimisation and technical support. Nokia has collaborated with Airtel for over two decades in providing 2G, 3G, 4G & 5G.
Gopal Vittal, vice chairman and MD, Bharti Airtel said this deal will improve connectivity solutions for Airtel. "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," Vittal said.
Pekka Lundmark, president and CEO of Nokia said the agreement solidifies collaboration between both the companies, and "will enhance the energy efficiency of Airtel’s network". "The deal enables premium 5G connectivity and high quality service for Airtel's subscribers," the Nokia CEO said.