Bharti Airtel, one of the most popular telecom operators in India has recently collaborated with Qualcomm to launch 5G services in the country. The telecom operator partnered with Qualcomm on Tuesday. The company said that it will utilize Qualcomm’s 5G RAN platforms to launch virtualized and open RAN-based 5G networks. In recent times, Airtel has become the first telecom operator in India to demonstrate 5G over a live commercial network in Hyderabad city. By underlining the technology capabilities of the company, Airtel has demonstrated 5G in Hyderabad.
As per the statement of the company, ‘Through Airtel’s network vendors and device partners, Airtel will utilize the Qualcomm 5G RAN Platforms to roll-out virtualized and Open RAN-based 5G networks. Airtel, as a board member of the O-RAN Alliance, is committed to driving the success of O-RAN and is working with Qualcomm Technologies to explore and implement the O-RAN approach for India.’ It further stated that the flexible and scalable architecture of O-RAN will provide new opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses to become feasible players in the implementation of 5G networks.
After few days of Airtel demonstrated 5G over a live commercial network in Hyderabad, the announcement regarding Bharti Airtel’s collaboration with Qualcomm has come out. The company said that the partnership with Qualcomm will require a wide range of use cases. It includes 5G Fixed Wireless Access [FWA] for Gigabit speed broadband connectivity to various businesses and homes as well. Open Radio Access Network Architecture [Open RAN] is industry terminology for standardization and compatibility of radio access network elements. It includes products and software from different vendors.
The company’s statement further stated, ‘This collaboration also aims to allow a faster rollout of broadband services in a cost-effective and expeditious manner across India for `last mile’ connectivity challenges that are becoming increasingly important in today’s remote, mobile-first society.’ The FWA services and Airtel 5G solutions are likely to roll out multi-gigabit internet speeds to the customers wirelessly and drive a path to a plethora of innovations in the technology.
Bharti Airtel’s CTO, Randeep Sekhon said, ‘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.’
The ultra-fast and low latency of 5G network will steer a digital realm of ‘limitless possibilities’ that include gigabit size file downloads in seconds and 4K video streaming be on its way across smart gadgets like smartphones, and computing devices and immersive technologies that include Smart Homes and Virtual Reality. Rajen Vagadia, the Vice President of Qualcomm India Private Limited and President, Qualcomm India pointed out that there is a powerful case to direct the rollout of 5G networks in the country. Moreover, the 5G network also aids fast-track the nation’s socio-economic growth and development.
Vagadia further said, ‘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.’ Meanwhile, Reliance Jio is another biggest rival to Airtel in India to launch 5G network services to the people. Jio has planned to roll out 5G in the country soon at the spectrum auction. Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman of Reliance Industries Limited earlier confirmed that the company will soon launch the services in India sometime in the 2nd half of 2021.
During the keynote presentation at India Mobile Congress 2020, Ambani announced the approximate time for the launch of Jio 5G services. Reliance Jio’s 5G services will be powered by an originally-developed network, hardware, and technology components. We hope we get to access the 5G network services rolled by any of the telcos in India soon. Stay tuned to this website to get the latest tech updates, telecom news, and more.