New Delhi, India – Global technology leader Nokia announced on Saturday a significant three-year agreement with Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) to enhance its 4G and 5G network infrastructure in India. This partnership marks a continuation of a collaborative relationship that has endured for over three decades.
The new deal will see the deployment of advanced 5G technology across major urban centers, allowing millions of customers to experience improved connectivity. This initiative includes the modernization and expansion of VIL’s existing 4G network, where Nokia already plays a crucial role as a primary supplier. The deployment is anticipated to provide premium connectivity to approximately 200 million VIL subscribers. “5G will bring seamless high-speed connectivity and increased capacity, supporting both citizens and enterprises alike.
Nokia's deployment will utilize its state-of-the-art 5G AirScale portfolio, featuring its energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology. This comprehensive approach will involve the installation of base stations, baseband units, and the latest generation of Habrok Massive MIMO radios, all designed for straightforward deployment while ensuring top-tier capacity and coverage. In addition to the 5G advancements, Nokia will modernize VIL’s current 4G infrastructure with multiband radios and baseband equipment, which will also be compatible with 5G technology. Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “This agreement is a testament to our long-standing relationship with Vodafone Idea. Our latest products and innovations from the energy-efficient AirScale portfolio will provide unparalleled quality, capacity, and connectivity to their customers.”
The deal represents a significant step forward in the company’s transformative three-year capital expenditure plan, which totals $6.6 billion. The capital expenditure program aims to expand 4G population coverage from 1.03 billion to 1.2 billion people, initiate 5G services in key markets, and enhance capacity to keep pace with rising data demands, according to company statements. As Vodafone Idea embarks on this ambitious plan, the partnership with Nokia is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of telecommunications in India, ensuring that millions of users benefit from enhanced connectivity and cutting-edge technology.