Nokia says rapidly deploying 5G gear for Vodafone Idea

Finnish telecom gear maker Nokia said on Wednesday that it is rapidly deploying its latest fifth-generation (5G) radio modules and baseband to support Vodafone Idea’s (Vi) 5G network launch in key markets in India.

“Nokia, serving as the 5G technology solution provider, has completed all equipment deliveries. The deployment is progressing rapidly,” the vendor said in a statement.

Nokia is also supplying 4G modules and baseband to modernise and expand Vi’s fourth-generation network in dense and urban areas. By the end of March, Nokia said it will deliver over 60,000 technology sites and “thousands of new 4G sites”.

Further, Nokia is deploying ultra-lean sites to improve Vi’s service experience in dense and urban areas, as per the statement.

Nokia is deploying its AirScale portfolio, including multi-Radio Access Technology (RAT) baseband units and radio modules, powered by its ReefShark System-on-Chip technology to offer enhanced coverage and capacity. The vendor is upgrading Vi’s Network Management system with the new MantaRay series of products.

Further, Nokia will progressively deploy its next-generation AirScale Multi RAT Outdoor compact baseband through a phased implementation, according to the statement.

“We are driving investments, and the velocity of capex deployment is set to accelerate in the coming quarters. We are working closely with Nokia to provide the 5G services to our customers at earliest. The quick 4G expansion by Nokia, too, shall enhance Vi’s coverage and capacity, enabling us to offer superior customer experience,” said Jagbir Singh, chief technology officer (CTO), Vodafone Idea.

“As the demand for reliable and high-performing networks continues to grow, our collaboration with Vi will help address the emerging requirements of retail consumers and businesses. We achieved very fast delivery and deployment of 5G and 4G sites for Vi,” said Tarun Chhabra, senior vice president & country head of Nokia (India).

Vi’s 5G equipment deals

To recall, Vi in late 2024 awarded multi-year deals worth $3.6 billion to Nokia, its Swedish rival Ericsson, and South Korean Samsung to commercially launch 5G-backed services in 17 key markets, including Mumbai and Delhi, and modernise and expand 4G network.

ET reported in its February 27, 2025, edition that Vi has already commenced 5G trials in Mumbai and commercial launch is expected around Holi.

The telco is offering unlimited 5G data for free during the trial for the customers, who are eligible for such free unlimited offer.

The telecom joint venture between UK’s Vodafone Group Plc, and the Aditya Birla Group (ABG) has trailed behind bigger rivals Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, which launched their 5G services back in October 2022.

A lack of 5G services, and patchy 4G coverage has resulted in millions of Vi customers churning to Jio and Airtel, causing revenue and customer market share loss for India’s third-largest telco.

But, backed by equity funding of Rs 24,000 crore, the operator has outlined its 5G rollout plans.

At its Q3FY25 earnings call, Vodafone Idea’s chief executive Akshaya Moondra said that after the first wave of 5G launches from Mumbai, the company will be expanding services to Delhi, Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Patna.