Samsung announced it has been selected by Bharti Airtel (Airtel) – the second-largest operator in India – as a network equipment supplier for 5G network deployment.
Per the agreement, Samsung will supply Airtel with 5G radio units, including Massive MIMO radios, in addition to providing deployment, optimization and maintenance services.
The deal marks Samsung’s first 5G networks agreement in India and underscores the company’s position as a leading network solutions vendor in the country. This collaboration arrives after a decade of collaboration with Jio on its 4G LTE network.
This announcement with Airtel follows India’s first 5G spectrum auction, which ended on August 1st with participation from India’s three major mobile operators. Airtel aims to leverage 5G’s ultra-high speeds, low latency and large data handling abilities to deliver innovative services for its enterprises and consumers.
Samsung continues to expand its global footprint, following recent 5G deployments with tier-one operators in the U.S., South Korea, Japan, the U.K and Canada. As the world’s second-largest telecom market, India represents a significant growth market for Samsung.
