Mumbai-based telecom company Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi) has reportedly joined forces with American multinational technology firm Cisco Systems Inc. to automate its network to further provide an enhanced 4G and 5G experience to its customer base.
According to reliable sources, the Indian telecom operator is working with Cisco Systems to design and build cost-effective network infrastructure to be on par with competitors like Bharati Airtel and Reliance Jio Infocomm in providing cloud, 4G & 5G, and Internet of Things facilities.
As per the agreement, the California-based hardware & software seller will deploy its renowned Ultra Packer Core, a 5G ready fully virtualized software, to Vi’s network. This will enable Vodafone Idea Limited to leverage novel functions like automation & analytics solutions as well as some advanced software applications & services such as voice-over WiFi as well.
Vice President of Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Russia at Cisco Systems, Adam MacHale was quoted saying that this partnership will enable Vodafone Idea Limited to take advantage of opportunities brought by cloud computing, 5G, and IoT services in the future. He further added that this move is an important step in India’s journey of bridging the digital divide between rural and urban areas.
Chief Technology Officer at Vodafone Idea Limited, Jagbir Singh reportedly said that joining forces with Cisco Systems will facilitate the company in providing access to new and advanced services to their customer base.
Vi rivals Tata Group and Bharati Airtel have also announced a collaboration earlier this week to implement 5G network solutions in India by deploying Open-RAN-based Radio & NSA/SA core which has been locally developed by the Mumbai-based company.
Meanwhile, Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited has already started field testing trials for 5G in Mumbai and the rollout timeline for the same is likely to be announced in the 44th Reliance AGM.