Airtel is in conversation with the Finland-based telecom company Nokia to acquire its latest innovation AirScale mobile radios to upgrade its existing network to 5G. It would probably be a multi-billion dollar contract, if fruitified. 

The Deal
Similar to the previous agreement, Nokia will be entrusted with ensuring around 45% of the equipment needed by Airtel for network upgradation purposes, claims moneycontrol.  
 
Network Upgaradtion 
India is currently going through a phase of technological advancement wherein it aims to equip the majority of its territories with 5G coverage to not miss upon the telecom revolution going around the world. This pursuit is evident in the approach of major telcos in India like Joi, Airtel, BSNL, and Vodafone-Idea. Telcos are trying day and night to expand and upgrade their network coverage to 5G at war footing. 

Nokia-Airtel 
Airtel will probably be employing Nokia’s latest innovation AirScale mobile radios to upgrade their existing networks to 5G. The innovation upgrades an existing network to 5G advanced while reducing the energy cost.  

Airtel has already awarded a deal to the Swedish Gear Maker Ericcson to supply tye former with 5G equipment spearheading the former’s effort to provide 5G coverage at the earliest. 

Nokia’s Other Deals 
Nokia has recently got part into a $3.6 billion contract for the supply of 5G equipment to Vodafone-Idea that it shares with Erioccson & Samsung. 

The deal would probably fetch some relief for Nokia as it suffers from a slowdown owing to weakening Demands in India. 

5G Coverage in India 
India had officially launched its first 5G network in October 2022. Further rollout got delayed as the telcos namely Reliance Jio & Bharti Airtel grew cautious owing to low capacity utilization and delayed monetisation.