As Vodafone Idea looks to expand its existing 4G footprint and introduce 5G to compete with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, the cash-strapped telecom company on Wednesday stated that it has been engaged with Samsung with regard to adoption of technologies. These include virtualised Radio Access Network (vRAN) solution for its 4G and 5G deployments.
The discussions between the two firms have been going on for the last 12 to 18 months. The Samsung network trials in Chennai have received an encouraging response and at par performance with incumbent suppliers, according to Vi. Following this, the company extended the Samsung deployments in Karnataka and Bihar circles.
This has reportedly helped Vodafone Idea to complete its minimum rollout requirements outlined in its spectrum licences for its 5G network in the Chennai, Karnataka and Bihar circles with NSA vRAN architecture.
Commenting on the deployment, Vodafone Idea Chief Technical Officer Jagbir Singh said, “We are proud to demonstrate our leadership in next-generation radio solutions (vRAN) that can deliver enhanced experience to our customers with better TCO. This vRAN deployment, delivered through Samsung’s innovation and joint technological strategic initiatives, is in sync with our technology transformation roadmap and enriched vendor ecosystem. We see a major role ahead for hybrid architecture in delivering the network enhanced capabilities that will push new dimensions in radio architecture.”
According to the company, Samsung’s vRAN solution will help it to bring greater flexibility, scalability and resource efficiency to network management. “It will ensure quality, credibility and robustness, delivering performance similar to that of traditional hardware-based equipment. It also provides the ability to cover a wide range of spectrums and technologies (5G, 4G & 2G),” it stated.
The stock of Vodafone Idea opened at Rs 17.24 per share and touched a 52-week high of Rs 18.47 apiece.
