Reliance Jio has reportedly begun deploying its own 5G network equipment as part of its efforts to densify its pan-India network. The move is expected to deliver considerable cost savings in the long run and reduce the telco’s reliance on global vendors.
The company is rolling out 5G small cell sites (miniature base stations), that enhance coverage and capacity in densely populated urban areas and indoor environments, along with other radio gear. These are being manufactured near Chennai by Reliance Industries’ electronics manufacturing joint venture with Sanmina Corp.
The equipment is part of a broader suite of 5G radio products developed under Jio Platforms Limited (JPL), which oversees Reliance Industries Limited’s telecom and digital assets. Meanwhile, Radisys, a JPL-backed company involved in network design, is also expected to support the deployment by designing and integrating digital applications tailored to these small cell sites
In addition, Reliance Jio has reportedly been using unlicensed band radio (UBR) equipment to deliver its 5G-based fixed wireless access (FWA) services, aiming to bring down the cost of high-speed wireless broadband for homes. The network setup enables the use of a single radiating unit to serve multiple users, thereby significantly reducing deployment expenses.
UBR systems operate in frequency bands that do not require a license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), such as 2.5GHz, 5GHz, and select lower bands typically used for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The company said nearly all the equipment being deployed is indigenously manufactured by Jio.
Although, Jio has not committed to a specific timeline for reaching its target of 100 million connected homes, it emphasised that the goal will be achieved through a hybrid rollout of its fibre-to-the-home (JioFiber) and fixed wireless (JioAirFiber) services.
