Ericsson replaces Huawei as 2G and 4G network vendor for Airtel in Rajasthan

New Delhi: Bharti Airtel has replaced China’s Huawei with Swedish gear maker Ericsson for 4G network expansion and modernisation in the Rajasthan circle, with the deal including deployment of voice over LTE (VoLTE) services, said a person familiar with the matter.

Under the deal, Ericsson is also deploying packet core technology for the Sunil Mittal-led telecom operator in the circle. With this, Huawei is now working for Bharti Airtel in three telecom circles, as is China’s ZTE Corporation.

“Ericsson has started modernising the hardware with 4G and 5G capable equipment. The entire LTE that Huawei had deployed is now being swapped by Ericsson,” said the person, who did not wish to be identified. “In addition, Ericsson is now deploying VoLTE for Airtel in Rajasthan.”