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Nokia inks SRAN deployment deal with Airtel; deal paves way for 5G foundation in India

These Nokia supplied networks will give Airtel the best possible platform for when 5G networks launch across the country in the future

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VoicenData Bureau
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Bharti Airtel has pressed the accelerator on boosting its network capacity! The leading private network operator, after signing a deal with Ceragon early this week to boost its network reach has inked another major deal with the Finnish company Nokia.

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Nokia and Bharti Airtel signed the multi-year agreement to deploy Nokia’s SRAN solution across 9 circles in India, helping Airtel to enhance the network capacity of its networks, in particular 4G, and improve customer experience.

The rollout, which will also lay the foundation for providing 5G connectivity in the future, will see approximately 300,000 radio units deployed across several spectrum bands, including 900 Mhz, 1800 Mhz, 2100 Mhz and 2300 Mhz, and is expected to be completed by 2022.

These Nokia supplied networks will give Airtel the best possible platform for when 5G networks launch across the country, with their low latency and faster speeds. Independent network performance testing company, RootMetrics, has recognized Nokia as a market leader in LTE in terms of performance including network speed, network reliability, and data performance.

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Nokia’s SRAN solution helps operators to manage their 2G, 3G, and 4G networks from one platform reducing network complexity, increasing cost efficiencies and future-proofing investment. Nokia will be the sole provider of SRAN in these 9 circles. The deal will also include Nokia’s RAN equipment, including its AirScale Radio Access, AirScale BaseBand and NetAct OSS solution, which will help Airtel to monitor and manage its network effectively. Nokia Global Services will also play a crucial role in the installation, planning and deployment of the project, which will be executed via the cloud-based Nokia Delivery Platform.

These Nokia supplied networks will give Airtel the best possible platform for when 5G networks launch across the country

According to Gopal Vittal, MD & CEO (India and South Asia) Bharti Airtel, this initiative with Nokia is a major step in its commitment to invest in emerging network technologies that aim to provide a best-in-class experience to its customers and the company is delighted to use Nokia’s SRAN products in further improving the capacity and coverage of its network as Airtel prepares for the 5G era.

These Nokia supplied networks will give Airtel the best possible platform for when 5G networks launch across the country

Rajeev Suri, President and Chief Executive Officer at Nokia, commented, “This is an important agreement for the future of connectivity in one of the world’s largest telecoms markets and solidifies our position in India. We have worked closely with Bharti Airtel for many years and are delighted to extend this long-standing partnership further. This project will enhance their current networks and deliver best-in-class connectivity to Airtel customers but also lay the foundations for 5G services in the future.”

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