Nokia, Bharti Airtel Successfully Trial 5G NSA Cloud RAN

The recent project undertaken by Airtel aligns perfectly with the company's strategic goal of enhancing customer experience through the implementation of cutting-edge 5G networks. The primary objective of this initiative is to introduce a new level of service innovation, network automation, flexibility, and resource scalability to support a wide range of end-user services.

During the trial phase, Airtel conducted tests in an over-the-air environment, utilizing the 3.5 GHz spectrum for 5G connectivity and the 2100 MHz band for 4G. Remarkably, data calls were successfully carried out using commercial user devices on Airtel's existing network, achieving an impressive throughput exceeding 1.2 Gbps. The trial made use of Nokia's RAN Software for virtualized Distributed Unit (vDU) and virtualized Centralized Unit (vCU) running on x86 hardware with a CaaS layer.

Nokia's anyRAN concept represents an open approach to building future-ready radio access networks in collaboration with a network of top-tier industry partners. This innovative approach provides mobile operators and enterprises with enhanced flexibility in selecting cloud infrastructure software, hardware, and technology suppliers. By adopting a hybrid RAN model that combines Cloud RAN and purpose-built RAN deployments, operators can ensure consistent, high-quality network performance.

Randeep Sekhon, the Chief Technology Officer at Bharti Airtel, expressed his enthusiasm about the successful Cloud RAN trial, emphasizing its importance in integrating advanced technologies into the network infrastructure to enhance customer experiences. The partnership with Nokia has enabled Airtel to explore innovative ways to enhance its 5G capabilities, setting a new benchmark in the industry.

Tommi Uitto, the President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, commended the fruitful collaboration with Bharti Airtel, highlighting the support provided to Airtel in building scalable, agile, and highly automated networks. Nokia's Cloud RAN approach offers customers the flexibility to transition to Cloud RAN seamlessly, with options for cloud infrastructure and data center hardware. This strategic move is expected to drive efficiency, innovation, openness, and scalability in the evolution of RAN technology.