Nokia in talks with Indian telcos over 5G networks

Nokia Networks is in talks with Indian telecom operators to start trials of next generation 5G networks even as the country is yet to see full-scale roll out of 4G technology based mobile voice and data services.

The Finnish telecom equipment maker is already testing the fifth-generation networks with global telecom giants like United States-based Verizon, Korean SK Telecom and Japan’s NTT Docomo. The 5G technology will guarantee delivery of 100 megabit per second speed at homes and will be capable of handling 1000 times more data traffic when it will be commercialised by 2020, Nokia Networks Head of Mobile Broadband Milivoj Vela said on the sidelines of an event on Tuesday. In India, Nokia Networks is part of Telecommunications Standards Development Society which is working on 5G, and is in discussion with telecom operators to start 5G trials.

However, Indian telcos are still investing in 4G technology to roll out the fourth generation networks and large parts of the country are yet to be covered under the high-speed data and voice services.

Talking about 5G networks, Vela said that 5G will focus on data services while voice calls will be facilitated through 4G technology.