New Delhi: Bharti Airtel (Airtel) on Wednesday awarded its first 5G contract in India to Ericsson. The telco said that it has awarded its first 5G contract in the country to Ericsson and the deployment will get underway in August 2022.
Ericsson is Airtel’s long-standing connectivity partner and pan-India managed services provider, with a partnership spanning more than 25 years and covering every generation of mobile communications. The latest 5G partnership follows the close of 5G spectrum auctions in India on July 26.
“As our trusted, long-term technology partner, we are delighted to award our first 5G contract to Ericsson for 5G deployment in India,” said Gopal Vittal, MD and CEO of Airtel.
“5G presents a game-changing opportunity to drive the digital transformation of industries, enterprises and the socio-economic development of India. With our 5G network, we aim to deliver the full benefits of 5G connectivity, fuel India’s journey towards a digital economy and strengthen the country’s position on the world stage,” added Vittal.
Airtel will deploy power-efficient 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) products and solutions from the Ericsson Radio System and Ericsson microwave mobile transport solutions. Ericsson will be providing 5G connectivity in 12 circles for Bharti Airtel.
In addition to an enhanced user experience for Airtel customers – spanning ultra-high-speeds, low latency and large data handling capabilities – Ericsson 5G network products and solutions will also enable Bharti Airtel to pursue new, innovative use cases with its enterprise and industry customers.
“We look forward to supporting Bharti Airtel with its deployment of 5G in India. With Ericsson’s unrivalled, global 5G deployment experience, we will help Bharti Airtel deliver the full benefits of 5G to Indian consumers and enterprises, while seamlessly evolving the Bharti network from 4G to 5G,” said Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson.
“5G will enable India to realize its Digital India vision and foster inclusive development of the country,” added Ekholm.
From setting up the very first switch in India, in 1903, to providing connectivity across 2G, 3G, 4G and now 5G – Ericsson continues to play a pivotal role in powering virtually every facet of telecommunications in India.