Nokia has secured a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar agreement with Bharti Airtel to enhance India’s telecom infrastructure by deploying advanced 4G and 5G technologies. The partnership aims to strengthen Airtel’s network capabilities, featuring Nokia’s cutting-edge 5G AirScale portfolio, including energy-efficient base stations, Massive MIMO radios, and the ReefShark System-on-Chip technology.
As part of the deal, Nokia will also modernize Airtel’s existing 4G network by installing multiband radios and baseband units capable of supporting both 4G and 5G, ensuring seamless scalability. Additionally, the collaboration incorporates Nokia’s MantaRay Network Management platform, which uses AI-driven tools to optimize network performance, streamline operations, and enhance service quality.
Gopal Vittal, vice chairman and managing director of Bharti Airtel, highlighted the partnership’s impact, stating, “This strategic alliance will future-proof our network, deliver a superior user experience, and support our sustainability goals with eco-friendly solutions.” Pekka Lundmark, Nokia’s president and CEO, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing their shared vision for innovation and sustainability.
Building on a two-decade collaboration spanning 2G, 3G, and 4G, this agreement further cements Nokia and Airtel’s relationship. Their Green 5G Initiative underscores a joint commitment to energy efficiency and carbon emission reductions, aligning with Airtel’s broader sustainability objectives.
This landmark deal represents a significant milestone in India’s digital transformation, showcasing both companies’ dedication to advancing innovation while championing environmental responsibility in the telecom sector.