Samsung to Replace Chinese Gear in Vodafone Idea’s 5G Rollout

Vodafone Idea (Vi) has partnered with Samsung to replace Huawei and ZTE equipment with 5G gear in key telecom circles, marking Vi’s first collaboration with Samsung. The move, part of a broader three-year capex plan worth INR 55,000 crore ($6.6 billion), includes the installation of 75,000 5G sites.

Samsung will deploy both 4G and 5G equipment, replacing Chinese technology that has reached its operational end. Nokia and Ericsson will supply additional 4G equipment to boost Vi’s coverage from 77% to 90% within a year. Vi’s Chief Technology Officer, Jagbir Singh, emphasized that equipment swap will prioritize operationally outdated gear, ensuring smoother transitions.

Since June 2021, telecom service providers must use only “trusted products” from approved sources, a policy aimed at mitigating security risks from Chinese vendors.

Source: https://www.business-standard.com/amp/companies/news/samsung-to-replace-vi-s-chinese-gear-with-5g-equipment-in-priority-circles-124101601251_1.html