Airtel to utilize Qualcomm 5G RAN platform for 5G in India

Bharti Airtel today announced its collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies for accelerating the 5G rollout in India weeks after demonstrating 5G over a LIVE commercial network in Hyderabad. Airtel will utilize Qualcomm 5G RAN platform to roll-out virtualized and Open RAN-based 5G networks. Airtel said that the flexible and scalable architecture of O-RAN will create new opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses to become viable players in the deployment of 5G networks.

Airtel and Qualcomm will also collaborate to enable a wide array of use cases including 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) designed to deliver broadband connectivity at Gigabit speeds to homes and businesses. The tieup will allow faster rollout of broadband services in a cost effective and expeditious manner across India for last mile connectivity.

“Airtel has been a pioneer of new technologies and our networks are fully ready for 5G. We are delighted to have Qualcomm Technologies as a key technology provider in our journey to roll-out world-class 5G in India. With Airtel’s integrated service portfolio and Qualcomm Technologies’ 5G leadership, we will be well placed to usher India into the next era of hyper-fast and ultra-low latency digital connectivity.”

Randeep Sekhon, CTO, Bharti Airtel

Airtel’s FWA services will be able to deliver multi giga-bit internet speeds wirelessly to customers and open up a wide range of innovations. The ultra-fast and low latency of 5G will unlock a digital world of limitless possibilities – gigabit size file downloads in seconds and 4K video streaming on the go across smartphones and computing devices, immersive technologies such as VR and SMART Homes with connected things.

Rajen Vagadia, Vice President, QUALCOMM India Private Limited and President, Qualcomm India said, “There is a compelling case to accelerate the roll-out of 5G networks in India, as it will help fast-track the country’s socio-economic growth and development. We are pleased to be working with Airtel, and we are excited by the opportunity ahead. This collaboration is expected to play a critical role in Airtel’s plans to add 5G network coverage and capacity where and when it is needed the most.”