Bharti Airtel has conducted India’s first 5G trial in the 700 MHz band in partnership with telecom network maker Nokia.
Airtel has conducted the 5G trial on the outskirts of Kolkata after receiving test spectrum in multiple bands from the government’s Department of Telecommunications for the validation of 5G technology and use cases.

Airtel and Nokia achieved high speed wireless broadband network coverage of 40 Km between two 3GPP standard 5G sites in real life conditions. Airtel used equipment from Nokia’s 5G portfolio, which included Nokia AirScale radios and standalone (SA) core.

“We believe that with the right pricing of 5G spectrum in the upcoming auctions, India can unlock the digital dividend and build a truly connected society with broadband for all,” Randeep Singh Sekhon, CTO – Bharti Airtel said.

“5G deployment using 700Mhz spectrum is helping communications service providers to cost-effectively provide mobile broadband in remote areas, where typically it is challenging for them to set up the network infrastructure,” Naresh Asija, VP and Head of Bharti CT, Nokia, said.

Earlier this year Airtel demonstrated India’s first 5G experience over a live 4G network. It demonstrated India’s first rural 5G trial as well as the first cloud gaming experience on 5G. As part of #5GforBusiness, Airtel has joined forces with leading global consulting and technology companies and brands to test 5G based solutions.