Airtel Awards Contracts to Nokia to Expand 5G Fixed Wireless Access Devices

NEW DELHI:
Bharti Airtel has awarded a contract to Nokia, and Qualcomm focusing on the expansion of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and Wi-Fi solutions to facilitate high-speed internet access to millions across India.

As part of the arrangement, Nokia will supply Airtel with its 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) outdoor gateway receiver and Wi-Fi 6 Access Point, utilizing Qualcomm® Modem-RF and Wi-Fi 6 chipsets. This initiative will enable Airtel to provide superior broadband services in areas where fiber connectivity is either scarce or challenging to implement. The deployment of fixed wireless broadband access via 5G networks stands out as a significant application of 5G technology, especially in India, which faces low fiber penetration and a high demand for digital services. 

Airtel will leverage Nokia’s FastMile 5G outdoor receivers, which are tailored for multi-dwelling units and capable of serving two households concurrently, thus facilitating a reduction in connection expenses. These receivers feature high-gain antennas that enhance broadband access over extended distances while efficiently managing radio resources. Furthermore, the FastMile 5G outdoor receiver utilizes Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology, enabling simple installation on various surfaces such as walls, balconies, or poles. 

Airtel will implement Nokia’s Wi-Fi 6 access point within residences to enhance the in-home experience. This solution offers intelligent mesh capabilities and self-optimizing network features, ensuring that customers can enjoy an exceptional broadband experience throughout their homes.
 Nokia’s 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and Wi-Fi 6 access point devices will be produced in India and packaged in fully recyclable materials.

Randeep Sekhon, CTO of Bharti Airtel, said: “This collaboration with Nokia and Qualcomm underscores our dedication to delivering an exceptional network experience for our customers. We are confident that Nokia’s 5G Fixed Wireless Access and Wi-Fi 6 Access Point solutions will help provide high-speed internet to underserved areas and fulfil the need of a superior and uninterrupted broadband experience.”

Sandy Motley, President of Fixed Networks, Nokia, said: “India’s vast size and population density presents unique challenges for broadband connectivity.  In those communities where fiber is difficult to deploy, FWA can be used to provide reliable wireless broadband connectivity.  With our 5G FWA and Wi-Fi 6 solutions built in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Bharti Airtel will be able to provide customers with fiber-like speeds which are becoming essential in today’s digital economy.  We look forward to supporting Bharti Airtel in its vision to connect more communities to high-speed broadband access.” 

“We are excited to be part of this new generation of products by Bharti Airtel and Nokia which are designed to deliver optimized performance, coverage, and user experiences. 5G FWA combined with Wi-Fi 6 access point is ideal for connecting the unconnected, making it an extremely versatile solution for Indian homes and businesses,” said Rahul Patel, Group General Manager, Connectivity, Broadband & Networking, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Nokia has been a trusted partner by Airtel for providing all network equipment. Recently, they also got an extension on the deal for deploying 4G and 5G equipment across key Indian cities and states.