Nokia has announced a new three-year agreement with Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) to roll out 4G and 5G equipment across India.
The deal, which includes the modernization and expansion of VIL's existing 4G network, further solidifies Nokia's role as a key supplier for the telecom giant. This deployment will provide enhanced connectivity to over 200 million VIL customers.
As part of the agreement, Nokia will replace the current vendor in the Chennai and Andhra Pradesh regions, becoming the largest supplier in areas that account for more than half of VIL's revenue. The deployment is set to start immediately.
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Nokia will install equipment from its cutting-edge 5G AirScale portfolio, featuring energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology. The package includes base stations, baseband units, and advanced Habrok Massive MIMO radios, offering seamless 5G capacity and coverage. Additionally, Nokia will upgrade VIL's 4G network with multiband radios and baseband gear that can also support future 5G services.
VIL will also leverage Nokia’s MantaRay SON platform, known for its advanced network optimization and automation capabilities. Using self-configuring modules, this platform enhances network performance and efficiency, with customizable solutions tailored to address specific operational challenges. Nokia will provide end-to-end services, including planning, deployment, integration, and network optimization.
Nokia, a long-term partner of VIL, has supported the telecom provider's 2G, 3G, 4G, and now 5G networks.
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Akshaya Moondra, CEO of Vodafone Idea Limited, stated “We are committed to providing a best-in-class 4G and 5G experience to our customers and this new deal with Nokia, who has been our partner since the beginning, will help us to deliver that. 5G will bring seamless high-speed connectivity and increased capacity, supporting citizens and enterprises alike. This will also enable unprecedented levels of innovation and efficiency across various sectors, empowering organizations to thrive in today's fast-paced digital landscape.”
Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, expressed pride in Nokia's long-standing partnership with Vodafone Idea, emphasizing that their collaboration marks a new phase in the network evolution and reflects Vodafone Idea's continued trust in Nokia's technology portfolio.
"They will benefit from the very latest products and innovations from our industry-leading, energy-efficient AirScale portfolio that will bring premium quality capacity and connectivity to their customers. We look forward to working with Vodafone Idea on this exciting deployment,” confirmed Uitto.
