Ericsson has bagged a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar extension deal from Bharti Airtel for 4G and 5G radio access network (RAN) products and solutions.
As per the new contract, Ericsson will deploy centralised RAN and Open RAN-ready solutions for network transformation which will help customers with wider coverage and the enhanced capacity on the network.
Ericsson will also undertake the software upgrade of its current deployed 4G radios thereby enhancing the customer experience.
Commenting on the news, Randeep Sekhon, chief technology officer, Airtel, said, “The strategic partnership with Ericsson to deploy the latest technology is a testament to Airtel’s pursuit of network excellence. This deployment will enable us to further improve the speed, reliability, and coverage of our network, ensuring an exceptional experience for our customers.”
Meanwhile, Andres Vicente, Head, Ericsson South-east Asia, Oceania and India, said, “This partnership extension reflects our shared vision to build a robust 4G and 5G infrastructure for Airtel to serve the connectivity needs of its customer base – including the new 5G use cases as they emerge. We will work closely with Airtel to deliver great user experiences for their customers.”
This strategic partnership underscores Ericsson and Airtel’s shared commitment to building an advanced digital ecosystem in India.