Bharti Airtel has awarded a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar contract to Finnish telecom equipment provider Nokia to roll out 4G and 5G equipment in strategic Indian cities and states. 

As per the agreement, Nokia will implement devices from its 5G AirScale portfolio, which includes base stations, baseband units, and the most recent generation of Massive MIMO radios. These devices are all driven by its energy-efficient ‘ReefShark System-on-Chip technology’.

“Nokia has been awarded a multi-year, multi-billion extension deal by Bharti Airtel to deploy 4G and 5G equipment across key Indian cities and states,” the release said.

These technologies will boost Airtel’s network evolution and add remarkable 5G capacity and coverage to the network. Additionally, Nokia will update Airtel’s current 4G network with baseband equipment and multiband radios that allow 5G.

Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and MD of Bharti Airtel, said, “This strategic partnership with Nokia will future-proof our network infrastructure and provide customers with unparalleled user experience along with a network that will be eco-friendly to minimise environmental impact.”

The strategic deal, according to Nokia President and CEO Pekka Lundmark, strengthens the company’s presence in India and its long-standing partnership with Airtel.

“This strategic agreement further solidifies our long-standing collaboration with Airtel and our footprint in India. Our industry-leading AirScale portfolio and AI-based services will enhance the energy efficiency of Airtel’s network, enabling premium 5G capacity and connectivity with the highest quality of service for subscribers,” Lundmark said.

For more than 20 years, Nokia and Airtel have worked together to supply 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G network equipment.

“Their partnership has recently reached new heights with the launch of the Green 5G initiative, aimed at improving the energy efficiency of Airtel’s network and reducing carbon emissions, in line with the company’s ambitious emission reduction targets,” the release added.

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