Nokia has clinched a landmark multi-billion-dollar deal with Bharti Airtel to extend its deployment of advanced 4G and 5G infrastructure across India. This strategic agreement, aimed at bolstering Airtel’s network capabilities, highlights the ongoing partnership between the two telecom giants and positions Airtel as a front-runner in India’s telecommunications landscape.
Enhancing India's Connectivity with 5G-Advanced Technology
Under this extended agreement, Nokia will deploy its state-of-the-art 5G AirScale portfolio, which includes base stations, baseband units, and the latest Massive MIMO radios. These technologies, powered by Nokia's energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology, are set to revolutionize Airtel’s network capacity, coverage, and efficiency. Additionally, the upgrade will modernize Airtel's existing 4G infrastructure, enabling seamless 5G integration for the future.
The deal also incorporates Nokia's MantaRay Network Management, an AI-driven tool designed for intelligent network monitoring, optimization, and technical support. These advancements will enhance customer experience while reducing environmental impact.
Leadership Comments on the Collaboration
Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and MD of Bharti Airtel emphasized Airtel’s commitment to innovation:
"This strategic partnership with Nokia will future-proof our network infrastructure and provide customers with an unparalleled user experience. We are also focused on ensuring our network evolves in an eco-friendly manner to minimize environmental impact."
Pekka Lundmark, President and CEO of Nokia, praised the collaboration:
"This agreement reinforces our decades-long partnership with Airtel and our commitment to India’s digital transformation. Nokia’s cutting-edge technology and AI-based services will empower Airtel to deliver superior 5G capacity and connectivity while prioritizing sustainability."
A History of Collaboration
Nokia and Airtel’s partnership spans over two decades, covering 2G, 3G, 4G, and now 5G networks. Notably, both companies recently collaborated on the Green 5G Initiative, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving network energy efficiency in line with Airtel’s sustainability goals.
Airtel’s Global Reach and Ambitions
Bharti Airtel is a leading global communications provider, serving over 550 million customers across 15 countries in South Asia and Africa. With a strong portfolio of 4G and 5G services, Airtel is committed to delivering high-speed broadband, on-demand entertainment, and innovative enterprise solutions.
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