Nokia wins multi-billion 5G extension deal from Bharti Airtel for its India operations

Espoo, Finland: Nokia has secured a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar extension contract with Bharti Airtel to expand 4G and 5G network infrastructure across key cities and states in India. Under the agreement, Nokia will provide advanced equipment from its state-of-the-art 5G AirScale portfolio, including base stations, baseband units, and next-generation Massive MIMO radios. These solutions are powered by Nokia’s energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology.

These solutions will enhance Airtel’s network with exceptional 5G capacity and coverage and support its network evolution. Furthermore, Nokia will modernize Airtel’s existing 4G network with multiband radios and baseband equipment, which can also support 5G.

Airtel will also be leveraging Nokia’s MantaRay Network Management for intelligent network monitoring and management that uses AI-based tools covering digital deployment, optimization and technical support. Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and MD, Bharti Airtel, said “Airtel has been a pioneer in network innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries for delivering cutting-edge connectivity solutions. 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 ecofriendly to minimize environmental impact.”