Bharti Airtel has joined forces with Nokia to expand 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) connectivity across India, bringing high-speed internet to millions, especially in areas with limited fiber infrastructure. This strategic move aims to address India’s growing digital needs by leveraging Qualcomm-based 5G technology to deliver fast and reliable broadband.
Under this partnership, Airtel will deploy Nokia’s FastMile 5G outdoor gateway receiver and Wi-Fi 6 access points, powered by Qualcomm chipsets. These devices will allow users to experience fiber-like speeds without the need for physical fiber connections, making them an ideal solution for both urban and rural areas where deploying fiber is challenging.
With India experiencing a surge in digital adoption, particularly in remote regions, 5G FWA technology is emerging as a crucial enabler of connectivity. Unlike traditional broadband, which relies on fiber-optic cables, 5G FWA uses wireless signals to deliver high-speed internet directly to homes and businesses. This eliminates the infrastructure constraints that have long hindered broadband expansion in many parts of the country.
Airtel’s rollout of Nokia’s FastMile 5G outdoor receivers will further enhance connectivity. These units come equipped with high-gain antennas that ensure stable broadband access over long distances. They are also designed for easy installation on walls, balconies, and poles using Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology, making deployment faster and more cost-effective.
To optimize the in-home experience, Nokia’s Wi-Fi 6 access points will ensure seamless connectivity with intelligent mesh networking, allowing users to enjoy consistent, high-speed internet across multiple devices. The integration of Wi-Fi 6 technology will particularly benefit smart homes and businesses that require uninterrupted network performance.
Randeep Sekhon, CTO of Bharti Airtel, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “Our collaboration with Nokia and Qualcomm reaffirms our commitment to delivering best-in-class connectivity. With 5G FWA and Wi-Fi 6, we will provide superior broadband access to millions, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted digital experience.”
Sandy Motley, President of Fixed Networks at Nokia, highlighted the broader impact: “India’s diverse geography presents unique broadband challenges. With our 5G FWA solutions, Airtel can now offer high-speed wireless broadband to areas where fiber deployment is difficult.”
As part of its ‘Make in India’ initiative, Nokia will manufacture these devices locally, further strengthening India’s telecom infrastructure. This partnership marks a significant step toward closing the digital divide, ensuring high-speed internet access for homes and businesses nationwide.
