Airtel is reportedly in talks with Samsung for network equipment. Samsung has shown interest in setting up manufacturing units in India as it will have two major clients in the country — Airtel (if the deal happens) and Jio.
Bharti Airtel isn’t going to over-spend in the spectrum auctions for the 5G airwaves. Randeep Sekhon, in an interview to the Livemint, said that 100 MHz of 5G airwaves is an ideal number to start with. However, if the airwaves are too expensive, even 40 MHz to 60 MHz is enough to fulfil early demand or 5G services, added Sekhon.
Further, Sekhon said that Airtel isn’t going to partner with Chinese vendors anymore for network technologies. Airtel will use equipment from European vendors such as Ericsson and Nokia along with O-RAN based tech solutions provider, Mavenir.