- Bharti Airtel and Ericsson have strengthened their partnership with a new agreement to deploy Ericsson’s 5G Core technology for Airtel’s 5G Standalone network.
- The collaboration aims to improve network capacity, support new monetization models, and offer advanced services to Airtel’s millions of customers across India.
What happened: Bharti Airtel and Ericsson’s expanded partnership for 5G core deployment
On February 25, 2025, Bharti Airtel and Ericsson announced an expanded partnership to deploy Ericsson’s advanced 5G Core solutions as part of Airtel’s long-term strategy to roll out a full-scale, commercially live 5G Standalone network in India. The collaboration will significantly boost Airtel’s network capacity, enhance its ability to deliver innovative services, and facilitate new business models through network slicing-based services and API exposure.
Randeep Sekhon, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Bharti Airtel, emphasized that this partnership marks a new phase in Airtel’s journey toward 5G, aiming to offer its customers a seamless 5G experience. The deployment of Ericsson’s Signaling Controller, 5G Charging, and Policy solutions will provide Airtel with a competitive edge, enabling the telecom giant to deliver differentiated and customized services to its enterprise and consumer base.
This significant step forward comes as Airtel looks to future-proof its network and capitalize on the potential of 5G technology, while Ericsson, a global 5G leader, continues to provide cutting-edge solutions to its long-time partner. The deployment aligns with both companies’ vision of advancing India’s 5G infrastructure and empowering millions of users with faster, more reliable connectivity.
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Why it’s important
The expanded partnership between Bharti Airtel and Ericsson is a crucial milestone for India’s 5G rollout. As one of the country’s largest telecom operators, Airtel’s transition to a full 5G Standalone network will have a profound impact on India’s digital landscape, enhancing internet speeds and unlocking new business opportunities for enterprises.
By leveraging Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G core, Airtel will be able to provide more flexible and innovative services to its vast customer base, driving the next wave of digital transformation in the country.
Moreover, this collaboration strengthens the telecom industry’s role in India’s economic growth. As 5G adoption accelerates, it will drive improvements across sectors such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing, making high-speed internet more accessible to individuals and businesses alike. Additionally, Airtel’s ability to monetize its 5G network through new business models will be a key differentiator in the highly competitive telecom market, positioning the company for sustained growth in the 5G era.
