Jio will offer 5G through a mix of wireless spectrum across the 700 MHz, 3.5 GHz and 26 GHz bands
Indian operator Reliance Jio Infocomm has selected Nordic vendors Ericsson and Nokia for the supply of equipment for the former’s 5G StandAlone network.
Akash Ambani, chairmain of Reliance Jio, said: “We are confident that Jio’s 5G network will accelerate India’s digitalization and will serve as the foundation for achieving our nation’s ‘Digital India’ vision.”
In a release, Ericsson said that its energy-efficient 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) products and solutions and E-band microwave mobile transport solutions will be deployed in Jio’s 5G network.
“India is building world-class digital infrastructure that will drive innovation, job creation and entrepreneurship across the country. We are happy to partner with Jio in those ambitions, through Ericsson 5G StandAlone connectivity, which will be a major catalyst in meeting those digital transformation goals across society, enterprise and industry,” said Börje Ekholm, president and CEO at Ericsson.
In a separate release, Nokia said that it has been selected as a major supplier by Reliance Jio to supply 5G Radio Access Network equipment from its AirScale portfolio countrywide in a multi-year deal.
Under the terms of the contract, Nokia will supply equipment from its AirScale portfolio, including base stations, high-capacity 5G Massive MIMO antennas, and remote radio heads (RRH) to support different spectrum bands, and self-organizing network software.
Pekka Lundmark, president and CEO at Nokia said: “This is a significant win for Nokia in an important market and a new customer with one of the largest RAN footprints in the world. This ambitious project will introduce millions of people across India to premium 5G services, enabled by our AirScale portfolio. We are proud that Reliance Jio has placed its trust in our technology and we look forward to a long and productive partnership with them.”
Earlier this month, Reliance Jio Infocomm announced the launch of the beta trial of its 5G services in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Varanasi. “The Beta trial service for other cities will be announced progressively as cities keep getting ready. Users will continue to avail of this Beta trial until the network coverage of a city is substantially complete to provide the best coverage and user experience to every customer,” the carrier said in a release.
Jio will offer 5G through a mix of wireless spectrum across the 700 MHz, 3.5 GHz and 26 GHz bands.
India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi officially announced the start of the 5G era in the country on October 1, as part of the ongoing India Mobile Congress event.
Over 200 Indian cities are expected to get 5G service in the next six months, and 5G services could be available in 80-90% of the country in the next 2 years.
The 5G spectrum auction in India concluded on August 1 and local carriers purchased a total $19 billion worth of spectrum.
The first telco to launch 5G in India was Bharti Airtel, which has activated its 5G services in eight cities with plans to progressively cover the entire country by March 2024. Some of the cities where Airtel already offers 5G include Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi and Bangalore.
Bharti Airtel will use equipment from Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung for the provision of 5G services.
