Bharti Airtel, an Indian MNO, will deploy 5G network equipment from Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung this month, following its successful bid for 19,800 MHz bandwidth across India in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 3300 MHz, and 26 GHz bands.
Airtel has had a long-standing relationship with Ericsson and Nokia while the relationship with Samsung just began this year. Its equipment strategy contrasts with Reliance Jio’s approach, which is reportedly to use a network that is designed and built in India.
“Choice of multiple partners will enable Airtel to quickly roll out 5G services spanning ultra-high-speeds, low latency and large data handling capabilities, which will enable a superior user experience and allow the pursuit of new, innovative use cases with enterprise and industry customers,” said Gopal Vittal, M.D. & CEO, Bharti Airtel.
The multi-year deal will see Nokia provide equipment from its AirScale portfolio along with solutions and services for network management, deployment, planning and optimization services. 5G RAN products will be used from the Ericsson Radio System and Ericsson microwave mobile transport solutions. Samsung said the deal includes building 5G radio stations and offering maintenance and other services, according to Punjab News Express.
Even though Reliance Jio purchased the most spectrum in the 5G auction, Airtel said it has the widest mobile broadband footprint across the country making it “well-positioned to usher in the 5G revolution” in India. In the past year, Airtel has been testing 5G technology in India in several use cases with multiple partners at many locations.
By J. Sharpe Smith, Inside Towers Technology Editor
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