Vodafone Idea in talks with Samsung for new 4G, 5G tech solutions
Mumbai: Vodafone Idea is in active discussions with Samsung about new technologies, including virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) solutions for their 4G and 5G networks, according to a company statement.
Over the past 12-18 months, both companies have carried out network trials in Chennai, India. After achieving positive trial results and performance comparable to current suppliers, Vodafone Idea has extended Samsung deployments to the Karnataka and Bihar regions.
These deployments have allowed the telecom company to meet its 5G Minimum Rollout Obligation (MRO) in Chennai, Karnataka, and Bihar using NSA vRAN architecture.
Apart from this, the telecom company recently confirmed ongoing discussions with Swedish telecom equipment provider Ericsson, which already supplies gear for its 4G network.
"We are proud to demonstrate our leadership in next-generation radio solutions (vRAN) that can deliver enhanced experience to our customers with better TCO (total cost of ownership).
"This vRAN deployment, delivered through Samsung’s innovation and joint technological strategic initiatives, is in sync with our technology transformation road map and enriched vendor ecosystem,” said Jagbir Singh, Chief Technical Officer of Vodafone Idea Limited, reported Moneycontrol.
Vodafone Idea (Vi) is targeting to be 5G-ready by the end of the next financial year (FY26) and is looking to lure more customers by promoting premium plans.
The company also expects to boost its average revenue per unit (ARPU) by upgrading subscribers from 2G to 4G. Currently, 2G subscribers make up a significant 42 percent of Vi's subscriber base, compared to 28 percent for Airtel, according to a report from Nuvama Institutional Equities last month following a meeting with the company's leadership.
Earlier this month, Vi's Board decided to offer a Rs 2,458 crore stake to long-term vendors Nokia and Ericsson in an effort to partially settle outstanding dues.
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