Vodafone Idea expands 4G/5G partnership with Ericsson in India

Vodafone Idea (Vi) has reinforced its long-standing network partnership with Ericsson in India through major 4G and 5G contracts. The deal will see Ericsson significantly extend its network share with Vi across the subcontinent.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ericsson will upgrade existing 4G infrastructure and deploy 5G technology in the Indian telecom circles where it already powers Vi’s network. The Swedish vendor will provide both 4G and 5G services in the telecom circles of Delhi, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, substantially increasing its footprint and marketshare with Vi.

As part of the contract, Ericsson will deploy its energy-efficient and lightweight Ericsson Radio System products. These include mid-band Massive MIMO antenna-integrated radios, which are designed to deliver high network performance for Vi’s customers.

Jagbir Singh, CTO of Vi, said: “Ericsson’s energy-efficient 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) products and solutions from the Ericsson Radio System portfolio will be deployed in the 4G and 5G network for Vi. All products and solutions are designed to maximise the network performance and benefit of 4G and 5G for our end customers and enterprises in India.”

The deployment of 5G technology is a crucial component of Vi’s strategy to deliver faster and more reliable connectivity to meet the growing demands of its customer base.

Akshaya Moondra, CEO of Vi, commented: “Collaborating with Ericsson will enable Vi to modernise its 4G network and rapidly deploy a world class 5G network. 5G deployment will enable us to seamlessly manage the growing data traffic on the Vi network, provide secure and reliable connectivity while enhancing the customer experience from the network.”

Ericsson has consistently ranked high in the Frost Radar: Global 5G Network Infrastructure Market report—reflecting the value of its investments in research and development that encompass all areas of 5G infrastructure, as well as previous network generations.

Andres Vicente, Head of Ericsson’s Market Area Southeast Asia, Oceania and India, said: “5G is a critical enabler of digital transformation and economic growth. With Ericsson’s advanced technology, we aim to empower Vi to deliver fast, reliable, and scalable 5G services for its customers.”

As India continues its digital transformation journey, the partnership between Vi and Ericsson will help to shape the country’s telecoms landscape. With Ericsson’s technology and Vi’s customer base, the collaboration has the potential to accelerate the adoption of 5G services and drive innovation across various sectors of the Indian economy.

Amarjeet Singh, Customer Unit Head for West India at Ericsson, added: “We are delighted to support Vi as it modernises its 4G network and launches 5G services for its customers in India. With our global 5G deployment experience, we will help Vi seamlessly evolve its network from 4G to 5G.”

The expansion of this partnership comes at a critical time for India’s telecom industry, as operators race to roll out 5G services nationwide.

As Ericsson continues to support Vi’s 5G journey, the impact of this partnership is likely to extend beyond improved connectivity for individual consumers. The deployment of advanced 5G technology could also pave the way for innovative applications in areas such as smart cities, industrial automation, and the Internet of Things, contributing to India’s broader digital ambitions.

(Photo by Naveed Ahmed)

See also: IMT-2030 Vision: Industry experts outline the path to 6G

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Tags: 4g, 5G, connectivity, digital transformation, ericsson, india, mobile, Networks, vi, vodafone, vodafone idea