Airtel partners with Nokia to expand 5G FWA network across India

Srinagar, Feb 12: Bharti Airtel has awarded a significant contract to Nokia for expanding its 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and Wi-Fi solutions, aiming to bring high-speed internet to millions of Indians in areas with limited fiber connectivity.

A statement said that under the partnership, Nokia will supply Airtel with its 5G FWA outdoor gateway receivers and Wi-Fi 6 Access Points, powered by Qualcomm's Modem-RF and Wi-Fi 6 chipsets. The initiative targets regions where traditional fiber deployment faces challenges.

Nokia's FastMile 5G outdoor receivers, designed for multi-dwelling units, can serve two households simultaneously, reducing connection costs. These receivers feature high-gain antennas for extended broadband coverage and utilize Power-over-Ethernet technology for flexible installation on walls, balconies, or poles.

"This collaboration underscores our dedication to delivering an exceptional network experience for our customers," said Randeep Sekhon, CTO of Bharti Airtel. He emphasized that Nokia's solutions would help provide high-speed internet to underserved areas.

Sandy Motley, President of Fixed Networks at Nokia, highlighted India's unique challenges in broadband connectivity. "In communities where fiber is difficult to deploy, FWA can provide reliable wireless broadband connectivity," she said, adding that their solutions would deliver fiber-like speeds essential in today's digital economy.

All equipment will be manufactured in India using recyclable materials. The partnership extends Nokia's role as Airtel's trusted network equipment provider, following recent deals for 4G and 5G deployment across key Indian cities and states.

Qualcomm's Rahul Patel noted that the combination of 5G FWA with Wi-Fi 6 access points makes an ideal solution for Indian homes and businesses, particularly in connecting previously unserved areas.