Bharti Airtel and Nokia have expanded their partnership to accelerate 5G service deployment by integrating Nokia’s Packet Core appliance-based solutions and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology. This initiative aims to enhance network performance and deliver a seamless 4G/5G experience for Airtel’s growing customer base.

The deployment will enable converged 4G and 5G operations on a single server infrastructure, improving network efficiency and reducing operational costs. Nokia’s automation framework will facilitate zero-touch service launches, optimising service lifecycle management and accelerating new offerings.

As part of its 5G Standalone (SA) readiness, Airtel will leverage Nokia’s converged Packet Core solution to simplify its network architecture and enhance data capacity. By adopting appliance-based Packet Core gateways, Airtel aims to optimise hardware usage, lower costs, and maintain a cloud-native network environment.

The multi-year rollout will extend across major Airtel service regions and incorporate GenAI-driven automation for network orchestration and assurance.

Randeep Sekhon, CTO, Airtel, stated, “Nokia’s innovative Packet Core architecture will significantly enhance our network quality and reliability, meeting the increasing demand for high-speed data services.”

Raghav Sahgal, President-Cloud and Network Services, Nokia, added, “Our continued collaboration with Airtel strengthens its 5G SA readiness and reinforces Nokia’s leadership in the Core network space.”

Nokia’s pre-integrated and modular server-based solutions offer greater deployment flexibility, enabling Airtel to expand its customer reach and unlock new revenue streams. Additionally, Nokia’s Packet Core solution for Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) will enhance broadband and enterprise-critical applications by delivering high-capacity connectivity.

Nokia already plays a crucial role in Airtel’s core network infrastructure, providing key technologies such as VoLTE, HSS, HLR, UDM, VoNR, and MANO (automated Management & Orchestration), further strengthening Airtel’s 5G ecosystem.

(BSE)