On Monday, Reliance Jio announced a long-term strategic 5G standalone (SA) network deployment deal with Swedish telecom equipment manufacturer Ericsson.
Jio and Ericsson are working together for the first time to develop radio access networks in the nation. For its 4G network, the telecom market leader collaborated with Samsung in South Korea.
Jio and Bharti Airtel awarded contracts for 5G equipment to Ericsson, Finnish Nokia, and Samsung on July 27. This effectively eliminated Chinese vendors Huawei and ZTE from the 5G race.
According to Ericsson, Jio’s fifth-generation network would use its E-band microwave mobile transport solutions and 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) products and solutions.
Ericsson 5G Standalone connectivity, which will be a significant driver in achieving those digital transformation goals across society, enterprise, and industry, is something that we are thrilled to cooperate with Jio on, said an official at Ericsson.
Jio is reportedly collaborating with US-based networking equipment manufacturer Cisco in addition to Ericsson, Nokia, and Samsung for its 5G network.
The telco has already started offering its “True 5G” beta service in the four major cities of Varanasi, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. By the end of 2023, Jio hopes to have 5G in every town, taluka, and tehsil.