Vodafone Idea partners Nokia to complete the first phase of a dynamic spectrum refarming (DSR) deployment in India.
Nokia claimed the implementation was the world’s largest and notes that the technology helps to optimise spectrum assets and pave the way for 5G. The companies also report that they have deployed India’s biggest massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (mMIMO) installation.
Nokia’s DSR solution includes an AirScale BaseBand module which enables service providers to dynamically share spectrum across different technologies and to automatically change spectrum allocation in line with evolving usage.
As part of the Single Radio Access Network (SRAN) contract, Nokia has also deployed more than 5,500 TD-LTE mMIMO cells in the 2500Mhz spectrum band in eight service areas in India.
The deployment aims to help Vodafone Idea to enhance coverage, reliability and speed. Over the last four years, data traffic in India has increased by over 44 times, according to Nokia’s MBiT Index 2020 report.
Network capacity
Vishant Vora, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Idea, said, “Dynamic spectrum refarming provides us with more network capacity and data speed to enable us to deliver best-in-class network experience to our subscribers. Vodafone Idea was the first one to trial the DSR and I thank Nokia for the close partnership.
“Similarly, we have the largest deployment of mMIMOs in India and our investment in mMIMO technology significantly helped us in meeting the growing data demand during the COVID-19 crisis. Nokia has been our key partner in our DSR and mMIMO strategy. At Vodafone Idea, innovation is the cornerstone for creating a 4G+ network and this is an example of us adopting cutting-edge technology to create a better network.”
Sanjay Malik, Senior Vice President and Head of India, Nokia, added, “At a time when connectivity is so crucial, the deployment of DSR and mMIMO will help Vodafone Idea enhance network capacity and improve the experience for their customers.”