Nokia, serving as Vodafone Idea’s (Vi) 5G technology solution provider, completed deliveries of the latest 5G and 4G baseband and radio modules in time for the telco’s 5G services rollout in key markets in March. Vi also announced the expansion of its 4G network, having secured equity funding in the last few quarters.
Nokia is also expanding Vi’s 4G network to new sites while providing technology addition and spectrum bandwidth expansion on existing sites. By the end of March, Nokia is expected to deliver over 60,000 technology sites and thousands of new 4G sites. Further, ultra-lean sites are being deployed to improve services in dense, urban areas.
“We are driving investments, and the velocity of capex deployment is set to accelerate in the coming quarters. Nokia remains our valued long-term partner consistently delivering support. We are working closely with Nokia to provide 5G services to our customers at earliest,” said Jagbir Singh, CTO, Vodafone Idea.
Specific to the equipment, Nokia is deploying its AirScale portfolio, including Multi-Radio Access Technology (RAT) baseband units and Radio modules, supported by its ReefShark System-on-Chip technology to offer superior coverage and capacity. The network management system is being upgraded with the new MantaRay series of products. Further, Nokia will progressively deploy its next-generation AirScale Multi RAT Outdoor compact baseband through a phased implementation.
“We achieved very fast delivery and deployment of 5G and 4G sites for Vi. The partnership also demonstrates our resolve to empower our partners with cutting edge technology, fostering enhanced connectivity and unlocking new business opportunities,” said Tarun Chhabra, Sr. Vice President & Country Head, Nokia (India).
