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Nokia wins Airtel extension deal to deploy 4G. 5G gear

26 Nov 2024

Nokia will deploy equipment to boost Airtel’s network and coverage with 5G capacity and upgrade its existing 4G network.

Airtel had finalised Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung to buy 4G and 5G gear worth $1.2 billion over the next three years but sealed the deal with Nokia.


The Finnish telecom company will provide its 5G AirScale portfolio along with base stations, baseband units, and the Massive MIMO radios (latest generation) powered by ReefShark System-on-Chip. Its equipment will enhance Airtel’s existing network with 5G capacity and upgrade the 4G network with multiband radios and baseband equipment capable of supporting 5G, too.


This partnership will enable the highest quality connectivity for Airtel subscribers, and the Green 5G Initiative will boost the network’s energy efficiency. Airtel will use Nokia’s MantaRay Network Management for intelligent network monitoring and management. This software uses AI-based tools for digital deployment, technical support, and optimisation.


Vodafone Idea (Vi) recently closed a $3.6 billion deal with Samsung and two European vendors to upgrade its 4G and launch 5G.

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