Nokia and Ericsson to build 5G standalone network in India

Communications service provider (CSP) Reliance Jio has announced contracts with both Nokia and Ericsson to roll out 5G standalone (SA) in India, following the allocation of 5G spectrum in recently concluded auctions.

Reliance Jio plans to deploy a 5G standalone network that will interwork with its 4G network. The network will enable Reliance Jio, which has one of the largest radio access network (RAN) footprints in the world, to deliver advanced 5G services such as massive machine-to-machine communications, network slicing and ultralow latency.

Under the contract, Nokia will supply equipment from its AirScale portfolio, including base stations, high-capacity 5G massive MIMO antennas and remote radio heads (RRH), to support different spectrum bands, as well as self-organising network software. Ericsson’s energy-efficient 5G RAN products and solutions and E-band microwave mobile transport solutions will also be deployed in the 5G network.

All products and solutions are deployed on new-build 5G SA networks, designed to maximise the benefits of 5G to CSPs and their customers — whether individual subscribers or enterprise and industry customers.

“This is a significant win for Nokia in an important market and a new customer with one of the largest RAN footprints in the world,” added Nokia President and CEO Pekka Lundmark. “This ambitious project will introduce millions of people across India to premium 5G services, enabled by our industry-leading AirScale portfolio. We are proud that Reliance Jio has placed its trust in our technology and we look forward to a long and productive partnership with them.”

Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson, added, “India is building world-class digital infrastructure that will drive innovation, job creation and entrepreneurship across the country. We are happy to partner with Jio in those ambitions through Ericsson 5G standalone connectivity, which will be a major catalyst in meeting those digital transformation goals across society, enterprise and industry.”

Akash Ambani, Reliance Jio Chairman, concluded, “Jio transformed the digital landscape in India with the launch of LTE services in 2016. We are confident that Jio’s 5G network will accelerate India’s digitalisation and will serve as the foundation for achieving our nation’s ‘Digital India’ vision.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Tapan Newpane