Mobile network operators in India have deployed 20,980 base stations as they rush to build out their 5G networks, with 2,500 being set up per week, according to government statistics. Delhi leads the buildout at 5,829 cell sites (938 Airtel, 4,891 Reliance Jio), followed by Maharashtra with 4,051 base stations, reported the Economic Times of India.
The wireless infrastructure is using spectrum in India that was purchased in a 5G spectrum auction for $19.5 billion. Reportedly, Reliance Jio was the top bidder, followed by Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea NSE.
Reliance Jio plans to deploy a $25 billion 5G SA network across India to help power the country’s effort to achieve developed status, company Chairman Mukesh Ambani announced late in August. The network is scheduled for completion by the end of 2023.
To keep up with the speed of the buildout in India, Ericsson is increasing its local manufacturing in the country, according to the Economic Times of India. Ericsson is manufacturing equipment through a partner, Jabil, in Pune, which was the first telecom vendor to set up manufacturing in India in 1994, according to Ericsson.
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