Srinagar, Feb 12: Bharti Airtel has awarded a contract to Nokia and Qualcomm to accelerate the expansion of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and Wi-Fi solutions, aiming to bring high-speed internet connectivity to millions across India.
Under this partnership, Nokia will supply Airtel with its 5G FWA outdoor gateway receiver and Wi-Fi 6 Access Point, leveraging Qualcomm® Modem-RF and Wi-Fi 6 chipsets. The initiative is expected to significantly enhance broadband access in areas with limited or no fiber connectivity.
An Airtel spokesperson emphasized that 5G-powered fixed wireless broadband is a game-changer for India, where fiber penetration remains low, yet the demand for digital services is soaring.
“Airtel will deploy Nokia’s FastMile 5G outdoor receivers, designed for multi-dwelling units, allowing them to serve two households simultaneously—cutting connection costs and expanding reach,” the spokesperson said.
The high-gain antennas in these receivers will enhance broadband access over long distances while ensuring efficient radio resource management. Additionally, the Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology will facilitate easy installation on walls, balconies, or poles.
To further enhance in-home connectivity, Airtel will introduce Nokia’s Wi-Fi 6 Access Points, featuring intelligent mesh technology and self-optimizing networks, promising a seamless broadband experience.
In a boost to Make in India, Nokia’s 5G FWA and Wi-Fi 6 devices will be manufactured domestically and packaged in fully recyclable materials.
Airtel CTO Randeep Sekhon highlighted the collaboration as a step toward bridging the digital divide.
“This partnership with Nokia and Qualcomm reinforces our commitment to delivering a superior network experience. 5G FWA will help connect underserved areas, ensuring uninterrupted, high-speed broadband access,” he said.
Sandy Motley, President of Fixed Networks, Nokia, noted India’s vast geography poses challenges in broadband deployment.
“Where fiber is difficult to deploy, FWA can provide reliable broadband connectivity. With our 5G FWA and Wi-Fi 6 solutions, Airtel will be able to offer fiber-like speeds, essential in the digital economy,” she said.
Rahul Patel, General Manager at Qualcomm Technologies, echoed the sentiment.
“5G FWA combined with Wi-Fi 6 is an ideal solution for Indian homes and businesses, ensuring optimized performance, coverage, and connectivity,” he said.
