Today, one of the biggest network providers in India, Bharti Airtel has announced a collaboration with Intel to drive network development of 4G and 5G virtualized radio access network (vRAN) and open radio access network (RAN) technology.
This will help transform Airtel’s networks to reap the full possibilities of 5G for its customers. Both the companies will be working together to evolve communications networks from fixed-function equipment to virtualized cloud-native deployments and enable edge-to-cloud communications.
“Being able to digitally power the vibrant population of India’s connected users requires scalable and agile networks that can evolve to address the growing demands of its users. Airtel is delivering their next-generation enhanced network with a breadth of Intel technology, including Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors and FlexRAN software to optimize RAN workloads with embedded intelligence, to scale their infrastructure and deliver on the promise of a connected India.”
— Dan Rodriguez, Intel corporate vice president, Network Platforms Group
This means Airtel’s network will be powered by a collection of Intel technology: the latest Xeon Scalable processors, FPGAs and eASICs, Ethernet 800 Series, and FlexRAN reference architecture. Intel says this will help Airtel serve the growing needs of its more than 345 million subscribers with a flexible, software-defined infrastructure.
Intel will provide Airtel with the foundation for wide-scale enhanced mobile broadband, mobile edge computing and network slicing.
“Airtel is delighted to have Intel as a part of its rapidly expanding partner ecosystem for 5G,” said Randeep Sekhon, Bharti Airtel CTO.
“Intel’s cutting-edge technologies and experience will contribute immensely to Airtel’s mission of serving India with world-class 5G services. We also look forward to working with Intel and home-grown companies to unlock India’s potential as a global 5G hub.”
This collaboration with Intel is a part of Airtel’s 5G roadmap for India, and also not forget, Airtel is the first telecom operator in India to demonstrate 5G over a live network and is conducting 5G trials in major cities.
Also, the companies being members of the O-RAN Alliance, both the companies will be working closely to develop a range of “Make in India” 5G solutions and enable world-class telecom infrastructure in India through local partners.
