Nokia has announced a significant multi-billion dollar contract with Bharti Airtel, one of India's leading telecom operators, to expand its 4G and deploy 5G equipment across key Indian cities and states. This deal marks a major milestone in the long-standing partnership between Nokia and Airtel, which has spanned over two decades.

Under the terms of the agreement, Nokia will provide equipment from its advanced AirScale portfolio, including base stations, baseband units, and the latest generation of Massive MIMO radios, all powered by its energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology. This deployment is expected to significantly enhance Airtel's network capacity and coverage, supporting its evolution towards 5G-Advanced networks.

In addition to deploying new equipment, Nokia will also modernize Airtel's existing 4G network with multiband radios and baseband equipment that can support 5G. Airtel will leverage Nokia's MantaRay Network Management system for intelligent network monitoring and management, utilizing AI-based tools for digital deployment, optimization, and technical support.

Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and MD of Bharti Airtel, emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership, stating that it will future-proof Airtel's network infrastructure and provide customers with an unparalleled user experience. Pekka Lundmark, President and CEO of Nokia, highlighted the deal as a testament to Nokia's commitment to enhancing energy efficiency and delivering premium 5G connectivity.

This agreement not only strengthens Nokia's footprint in India but also aligns with Airtel's Green 5G Initiative, aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. As Airtel continues to innovate and expand its services, this partnership with Nokia is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of telecommunications in India.