Bharti Airtel, one of the three major telecom operators of India, has announced the development of its own 5G network technology stack, which is being done in partnership with Qualcomm. The telco will be using the Qualcomm 5G radio access network technology stack to deploy its commercial 5G network, which can help set up virtual and open 5G networks through India. Alongside developing and deploying its own 5G technology, Airtel will also play a key role in building the O-RAN Alliance, which uses open 5G radio technology in a highly scalable and flexible model, therefore allowing more users to use 5G technologies and offer 5G services to customers.
Airtel and Qualcomm will also jointly work to develop the 5G fixed wireless access network. The latter is aimed at upgrading home internet networks that are available right now, and will offer gigabit class home Wi-Fi networks by upgrading the existing broadband infrastructure. The new 5G networks will reportedly help upgrade last mile internet connectivity services in remote areas, thanks to easily deployable 5G technology in comparison to typical broadband internet infrastructure.
Speaking on the matter, Rajen Vagadia, president of Qualcomm India said, “There is a compelling case to accelerate the rollout 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.”
Alongside network coverage, total network capacity is one of the biggest areas that is expected to significantly improve with the rollout of 5G technology. With 4G networks mostly congested right now, new 5G airwaves are expected to address the questions of network congestion, therefore improving the overall quality of networks in terms of both data and voice calling. Airtel 5G service trials are expected to be underway at a faster pace soon, and commercial deployment awaits the official spectrum auction from the Indian government.
