Nokia Secures Multi-Billion Dollar Deal with Airtel to Deploy 4G, 5G Equipment Across India.

Finland-based telecom equipment provider Nokia announced recently that it has secured a multi-year, multi-billion dollar deal with Bharti Airtel to deploy 4G and 5G infrastructure across key cities and states in India.

Under the agreement, Nokia will supply equipment from its state-of-the-art 5G AirScale portfolio, including base stations, baseband units, and the latest generation of Massive MIMO radios. These solutions will be powered by Nokia’s energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology. The new equipment will enhance Airtel’s 5G capacity and coverage, supporting the evolution of its network.

In addition to 5G deployment, Nokia will upgrade Airtel's existing 4G network with multiband radios and baseband equipment capable of supporting future 5G advancements.

“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, providing customers with an unparalleled user experience, while ensuring an eco-friendly network that minimizes environmental impact,” said Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Airtel.

Airtel will also utilize Nokia’s MantaRay Network Management for intelligent network monitoring, leveraging AI-based tools to optimize digital deployment, technical support, and network performance.

Nokia and Airtel have been long-time collaborators, having worked together for over two decades across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G deployments. Their partnership has recently expanded with the launch of the Green 5G Initiative, aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, aligning with Airtel’s emission reduction goals.

“This strategic agreement further strengthens our partnership with Airtel and enhances our footprint in India. Our AirScale portfolio, combined with AI-driven services, will significantly improve Airtel’s network efficiency, delivering premium 5G capacity, connectivity, and superior service quality,” said Pekka Lundmark, President and CEO of Nokia.

HBL