Nokia (HE:NOKIA) has secured a contract with Bharti Airtel to enhance its optical transport network across India, positioning the telecom giant to meet rising data demands and support the rollout of 5G services. The upgrade includes Nokia's 1830 PSS-x OTN switches, which are set to double core layer data transmission rates and quadruple the capacity of optical fiber in Airtel's National Long-Distance Network connecting major cities.
This infrastructure expansion is not only a response to the growing need for robust backhaul transport for dense 5G networks but also caters to burgeoning broadband usage and new market segments like smart grids. Moreover, the network enhancement will introduce advanced OTN switching technology and L-band wavelengths, which are essential for rerouting traffic smoothly during any disruptions, such as fiber cable damages, thereby maintaining uninterrupted service levels.
The strategic move comes as Airtel transitions away from previous partner Huawei over trust and security concerns. Nokia's role in bolstering Airtel's network underscores the telecom operator's commitment to enhancing service reliability and performance across its pan-Indian footprint. This development is particularly significant for enterprise clients and hyperscaler companies that require increased transport capacity and bandwidth efficiency.
The collaboration between Nokia and Bharti Airtel aims to ensure strict adherence to service level agreements (SLAs), crucial for customer satisfaction in the enterprise and hyperscaler segments. The revamped network infrastructure is set to improve broadband and 5G service delivery in major Indian cities, reflecting a concerted effort to address heightened data consumption and maintain high standards of network performance.
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