Nokia has revealed details of its three-year deal with Indian telecom operator Vodafone Idea to deploy 4G and 5G equipment.
Vodafone Idea earlier announced a $3.6 billion deal with Nokia, Ericsson and Samsung to enhance its 4G coverage and start 5G network. Vodafone Idea did not reveal the specific size of the contract with these three vendors. Samsung is a new supplier to Vodafone Idea. Samsung is already supplying equipment to Reliance Jio, the #1 mobile operator in India.
Akshaya Moondra, CEO of Vodafone Idea, said: “This deal enables unprecedented levels of innovation and efficiency across various sectors, empowering organizations to thrive in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.”
India is an important market for Finland-based Nokia. In Q2 2024, Nokia has generated revenue of 329 million euro from India as compared with 1,043 million euro in Q2 2023 primarily due to decline in its 5G network business.
Nokia, which is an equity holder in Vodafone Idea due to outstanding dues, today said the latest agreement includes the modernization and expansion of Vodafone Idea’s 4G network. Nokia is already a major supplier for Vodafone Idea’s 4G network.
Nokia is in the process of establishing contracts with telecom operators after it lost a major deal from US-based AT&T to Ericsson. Nokia earlier revealed that its revenue from communications service providers (SPs) dropped significantly to 3.591 billion euro in Q2 2024 from 4.561 billion euro in Q2 2023.
Nokia will support in delivering premium connectivity to 200 million Vodafone Idea customers. Nokia will increase its market share and replace the existing vendor in Chennai and Andhra Pradesh.
Nokia will become the largest supplier covering telecom circles that generate more than 50 percent of Vodafone Idea’s revenue. Nokia said deployment will begin immediately.
Nokia will supply base stations, baseband units, and Habrok Massive MIMO radios to ensure 5G capacity and coverage.
Nokia will modernize Vodafone Idea’s existing 4G network with multiband radios and baseband equipment, which can also support 5G.
Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said: “This is a continuation of our partnership that has lasted for over three decades and highlights their trust in our technology portfolio.”
Baburajan Kizhakedath