Bharti Airtel Limited, one of India’s leading telecom giants, has entered a multi-billion, multi-year extension agreement with Nokia to expand its 4G and 5G network infrastructure across the country. This landmark deal underscores the ongoing partnership between the two companies, which spans over two decades, and marks a significant step toward delivering cutting-edge connectivity solutions to Airtel’s customer base of over 550 million.

Under the agreement, Nokia will deploy its advanced AirScale portfolio, including state-of-the-art base stations, baseband units, and Massive MIMO radios powered by its energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology. These upgrades aim to bolster Airtel’s 5G capacity and coverage while modernizing its existing 4G network. Notably, the infrastructure enhancements will support seamless integration with future 5G advancements.

Airtel will also leverage Nokia’s MantaRay Network Management system, which employs artificial intelligence to streamline network monitoring and optimization. This technology promises enhanced network performance while minimizing operational inefficiencies. The partnership aligns with Airtel’s commitment to providing eco-friendly solutions, as highlighted by its collaboration with Nokia on the Green 5G Initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency.

Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Bharti Airtel, emphasized that this agreement aligns with Airtel’s vision of pioneering network innovation to deliver unparalleled user experiences. He highlighted the partnership’s potential to future-proof India’s telecom infrastructure while addressing environmental concerns.

Pekka Lundmark, President and CEO of Nokia, reiterated the significance of this collaboration, noting that Nokia’s cutting-edge technologies would enhance Airtel’s network capabilities and deliver premium 5G connectivity.

The announcement comes amid intense competition in India’s telecommunications sector, with companies striving to establish dominance in 5G deployment. Airtel’s strategic investment in Nokia’s solutions not only strengthens its position but also highlights the evolving dynamics of India’s digital landscape.

As Airtel continues to modernize its network infrastructure, this deal is poised to shape the future of telecommunications in India, offering faster, more reliable connectivity to millions of users while contributing to the country’s sustainability goals.

  5G, Bharti Airtel, India, Nokia, telecommunications