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Airtel recently became the first telco in India to demonstrate 5G over a live commercial network in Hyderabad.
Airtel will utilize Qualcomm's 5G RAN Platforms to roll-out virtualized and Open RAN-based 5G networks. Airtel says that it is committed to driving the success of O-RAN and is working with Qualcomm to explore and implement the O-RAN approach for India. This creates new opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses to become viable players in the deployment of 5G networks, according to Airtel.
Also read: 5G trials in India could start in the next 2-3 months: report
Airtel will also use 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology that can deliver broadband connectivity at Gigabit speeds to homes and businesses. It is essential for "the last mile" connectivity challenges, which have, in the past, impeded progress on several occasions. Qualcomm's 5G Fixed Wireless Access Platform supports virtually any combination of 5G spectrum bands and modes, from extended-range high power sub-6 to extended-range mmWave. The former is better suited to cover large areas while the latter is ideal for densely-populated urban areas which require high-speed connectivity.
Randeep Sekhon, CTO, Bharti Airtel, chimed in with the following statement about the endeavour, "Airtel has been a pioneer of new technologies and our networks are fully ready for 5G. We are delighted to have Qualcomm Technologies as a key technology provider in our journey to roll-out world-class 5G in India. With Airtel's integrated service portfolio and Qualcomm Technologies' 5G leadership, we will be well placed to usher India into the next era of hyper-fast and ultra-low latency digital connectivity."