Bharti Airtel has tied up with Qualcomm to use its 5G RAN Platforms to roll-out virtualized and Open RAN-based 5G networks. Airtel, is a board member of the O-RAN Alliance. Both the companies will also collaborate to enable a wide array of use cases, including 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), which is designed to deliver broadband connectivity at Gigabit speeds to the end consumer.
“Airtel 5G solutions including FWA services will be able to deliver multi-gigabit internet speeds wirelessly to customers and open up a wide range of innovations. For customers, the ultra-fast and low latency of 5G will unlock a digital world of limitless possibilities – gigabit size file downloads in seconds and 4K video streaming on the go across smartphones and computing devices, Immersive Technologies such as Virtual Reality and SMART Homes with connected things,” says the Bharti Airtel release.
Airtel is India’s first telco to demonstrate 5G over a LIVE commercial network in the city of Hyderabad.
“Qualcomm 5G Fixed Wireless Access Platform supports virtually any combination of 5G spectrum bands and modes, from extended-range high power sub-6 to extended-range mmWave. The portfolio of Qualcomm 5G RAN platforms aim to deliver cutting-edge technology for virtualized, flexible and interoperable 5G infrastructure. Through Airtel’s network vendors and device partners, Airtel will utilize the capabilities of these platforms for accelerating the development of 5G applications for Industry 4.0 use cases and for driving innovations for Airtel’s global operations,” adds the release.
Qualcomm has also tied up with Airtel rival Reliance Jio for 5G rollout.