Finnish telecom gear maker Nokia has won a 4G and 5G network modernisation deal from Airtel Kenya. The three-year deal will comprise the deployment of Nokia’s Airscale products portfolio which will modernise Nairobi’s telecom infrastructure.
The portfolio will enhance high-speed 4G and 5G ready hardware and it will also lay the groundwork for migration toward fifth-generation broadband technology.
D. Sarma, CEO, Airtel Kenya, told the media, “We are in the midst of rolling out our network to enhance coverage along with modernisation of our data network that will help us to deliver improved, high-speed data services to our customers..We are excited to partner with Nokia on this project. Its technology portfolio improves our network quality considerably and also allows us to move to 5G services in the future.”
Under the terms of the new deal, Nokia will deploy its cloud-agnostic NetAct software solution. This will allow the company to securely manage Airtel Kenya’s networks. In addition, the Finnish company will also provide digital deployment, network planning, and technical support services.
Nokia said in an official statement, “Nokia’s network infrastructure will also offer Airtel Kenya the option to smoothly transition to 5G when necessary. The upgraded network will deliver enhanced connectivity to customers of Airtel Kenya and access to new, high-speed data services.”
Kenya is a mature telecom market and it will allow both companies to capitalise on its tremendous opportunities.