Airtel has conducted India’s first 5G trial in the 700 MHz band with Nokia. The trial was held on the outskirts of Kolkata and it was the first 5G trial in East India.
Airtel has been allotted test spectrum in multiple bands by the Departments of Telecommunications. This is for the validation of 5G technology and use cases.
Airtel uses Nokia equipment
With the use of the 700 MHz band, Airtel and Nokia were able to achieve high speed wireless broadband network coverage of 40 KM between two 3GPP standard 5G sites in real life conditions. Airtel used NokiaAirScale radios and standalone (SA) core equipment.
Broadband in remote areas
“Back in 2012, Airtel launched India’s first 4G service in Kolkata. Today, we are delighted to conduct India’s first 5G demo in the coveted 700 MHz band in the city to showcase the power of this technology standard. We believe that with the right pricing of 5G spectrum in the upcoming auctions, India can unlock the digital dividend and build a truly connected society with broadband for all,” Randeep Singh Sekhon, CTO – Bharti Airtel said.
“5G deployment using 700Mhz spectrum is helping communications service providers across the world to cost-effectively provide mobile broadband in remote areas, where typically it is challenging for them to set up the network infrastructure. Nokia is at the forefront in the development of the global 5G ecosystem, and we look forward to supporting Airtel on its 5G journey,” Naresh Asija, VP and Head of Bharti CT, Nokia, said.
Earlier, Airtel had demonstrated India’s first 5G experience over a live 4G network.
