Powering India’s 4G/5G networks, Airtel teams up with Nokia with AI-driven tech and eco-friendly solutions for better customer experience.
Last week, Bharti Airtel revealed that it has extended its partnership with Finnish tech giant Nokia to deploy 4G and 5G equipment across key Indian cities and states, aimed at bolstering the network capacity of the company.
Under the terms of the agreement, Nokia will supply its 5G AirScale portfolio, which includes base stations, baseband units, and the latest Massive MIMO radios, all powered by ReefShark system-on-chip (SiC) technology. As the company stated, this will upgrade Airtel’s existing 4G network with multiband radios and baseband equipment capable of supporting 5G.
In addition, Airtel will adopt Nokia’s MantaRay network management system, which offers intelligent network monitoring and management using AI tools for digital deployment, optimisation, and technical support.
Commenting on the partnership, Pekka Lundmark, the President and CEO of Nokia, emphasized that their AirScale portfolio and AI-powered services would enhance the energy efficiency of Airtel’s network, providing top-tier 5G capacity and connectivity with the highest quality of service for users.
Gopal Vittal, the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Bharti Airtel, further stated that the collaboration with Nokia would ensure superior customer experiences and an eco-friendly network that reduces environmental impact.
Last month, the Economic Times reported that Airtel had likely finalised deals worth $1.2 billion (around ₹100.85 billion) with Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung to purchase 4G and 5G equipment over the next three years.
Meanwhile, Airtel has continued to lead in average revenue per user (ARPU), reporting ₹233 per month for the quarter, an increase from ₹211 in Q1 FY25. The company also saw a 168% surge in its consolidated net profit for the September 2024 quarter, reaching ₹35.93 billion, compared to ₹13.41 billion in the same period last year. The ARPU for the quarter represented a 15% year-on-year increase, rising from ₹203 in Q2 FY24.
