• The partnership will leverage the Qualcomm RAN Platforms along with Airtel’s device partners to speed up the rollout of virtualized and Open RAN-based 5G networks.
• The two companies will work together to provide Gigabit speeds through 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA).

Indian multinational telecommunication company Bharti Airtel Limited, popularly known as Airtel, has reportedly partnered with U.S-based chipmaker Qualcomm to accelerate the launch of its 5G networks and services in India.

The news comes along the heels of Airtel becoming the first network provider to demonstrate 5G technology over a live commercial network in Hyderabad.

If sources are to be believed, the strategic alliance is aimed at leveraging the Qualcomm 5G RAN Platforms along with Airtel’s device partners and network vendors to speed up the roll-out of virtualized and open RAN-based 5G networks.

For the record, Open RAN (Radio Access Network) architecture is industry terminology for standardization and interoperability of radio access network elements, primarily software and products from various vendors.

Expressing his enthusiasm towards the joint venture, Randeep Sekhon, CTO of Airtel was reported saying that Qualcomm will act as a key technology provider for the deployment of world-class 5G services in India. Qualcomm’s expertise in 5G technologies along with Airtel’s integrated service portfolio will pave way for ultra-low latency and hyper-fast digital connectivity across the country, he added.

Sources knowledgeable of the matter cited that Airtel and Qualcomm will work together to enable a wide range of use cases, including 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) that is designed to provide internet connectivity at Gigabit speed to large-scale enterprises as well as residential establishments.

Furthermore, the newly deployed 5G networks will assist in the upgradation of last-mile internet connectivity services with affordable broadband services which have become essential in remote, mobile-first environments.

Source credits –

https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/airtel-partners-with-qualcomm-for-virtualised-open-ran-based-5g-networks-121022300483_1.html