New Delhi: Bharti Airtel has partnered with Ericsson to expand its Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services in India, aiming to boost network capacity and meet growing data demands.
The two companies have signed a new agreement that will see Ericsson supplying its core network technology to support Airtel’s FWA rollout. This development marks another phase in Airtel’s efforts to enhance digital connectivity through 5G-based solutions, particularly in areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is limited.
Ericsson will provide its Local Packet Gateway (LPG) platform as part of this deployment, designed to improve network efficiency and scalability while occupying less physical space. The technology is expected to help Airtel handle increasing data traffic more effectively, especially in markets where high-speed internet access is still uneven.
The move builds on an existing partnership between Airtel and Ericsson, which includes their earlier dual-mode 5G Core solution that laid the groundwork for Airtel’s transition to 5G Standalone (SA) networks.
Randeep Sekhon, Chief Technology Officer at Bharti Airtel, noted that the deployment of Ericsson’s Packet Core technology will help improve the quality and reliability of the network, enabling Airtel to manage rising data consumption and maintain stable connectivity, particularly during peak usage.
The growing adoption of FWA is seen as a strategic step to bridge the digital divide, particularly in semi-urban and rural parts of India where fiber-based internet remains scarce. By using wireless technologies like 5G FWA, telecom operators can deliver broadband-like speeds without the need for extensive physical infrastructure.
Ericsson and Airtel have maintained a partnership for over 25 years, spanning multiple generations of mobile technology. This latest collaboration focuses on enhancing Airtel’s core network capacity while also setting the stage for potential future monetization of 5G services through Fixed Wireless Access.
Andres Vicente, Head of Ericsson’s Market Area Southeast Asia, Oceania and India, highlighted that the deployment of the Local Packet Gateway aims to support Airtel’s capacity expansion in a cost-efficient and scalable way.
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