HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Feb 12: Bharti Airtel has signed a contract with Nokia to expand 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and Wi-Fi solutions, aiming to provide high-speed internet connectivity across India.
This collaboration will help address challenges in areas where fiber-optic infrastructure is limited or difficult to deploy.
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Under this agreement, Nokia will supply Airtel with its 5G FWA outdoor gateway receiver and Wi-Fi 6 Access Point, powered by Qualcomm’s Modem-RF and Wi-Fi 6 chipsets.
The initiative will enable Airtel to offer superior broadband services, leveraging 5G FWA technology to improve connectivity in underserved regions.
Nokia’s FastMile 5G outdoor receivers, designed for multi-dwelling units, can connect two households simultaneously, reducing connection costs.
Equipped with high-gain antennas, these receivers enhance broadband access over long distances while optimizing radio resources.
The Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology simplifies installation on various surfaces, including walls, balconies, and poles.
To enhance in-home connectivity, Airtel will deploy Nokia’s Wi-Fi 6 access points, which feature intelligent mesh capabilities and self-optimizing network functions to ensure seamless broadband performance.
Notably, Nokia’s 5G FWA and Wi-Fi 6 access point devices will be manufactured in India using fully recyclable packaging materials.
Randeep Sekhon, CTO of Bharti Airtel, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with Nokia and Qualcomm underscores our commitment to delivering an exceptional network experience. Nokia’s 5G Fixed Wireless Access and Wi-Fi 6 solutions will help provide high-speed internet to underserved areas and fulfill the need for a superior and uninterrupted broadband experience.”
Sandy Motley, President of Fixed Networks at Nokia, emphasized the potential of FWA technology in India, where fiber connectivity remains limited.
“With our 5G FWA and Wi-Fi 6 solutions built in collaboration with Qualcomm, Bharti Airtel will be able to provide customers with fiber-like speeds essential for today’s digital economy,” he said.
Rahul Patel, Group General Manager at Qualcomm Technologies, added, “5G FWA combined with Wi-Fi 6 is an ideal solution for bridging the connectivity gap in Indian homes and businesses.” Nokia has been a long-term partner of Airtel and has recently extended its deal to deploy 4G and 5G equipment across major Indian cities and states.
