Nokia, Ericsson promise to make 5G gear here: Airtel
NEW DELHI: Bharti Airtel said, European vendors, Nokia have committed to making network equipment in India, allowing local telecom operators to source network elements locally and contribute towards building the economy.
“The self-reliant vision of the country is key to the whole economy. Telcos’ role is very important,” Randeep Sekhon, chief technology officer, Bharti Airtel, said at the ET Telecom Digital Telco Virtual Summit 2020.
Sekhon said the telecom operator’s two European partners – Ericsson and Nokia – will supply radio, core and transport equipment through their local factories in India. “They have promised to us that 5G also will be made here, which means in some way telcos are also contributing to the economy of the country by consuming something which is made here,” he said.
Bharti Airtel also works with Chinese gear vendors in India for select circles. However, both Chinese vendors import their gear from other markets. Besides, Bharti Airtel has been reducing its dependence on Chinese vendors, especially Huawei.