Airtel to deploy pre-5G MIMO technology in Mumbai circle during FY 18-19

In a bid to take on ever increasing challenge in telecom sector, Bharti Airtel has embarked upon a new strategy through its massive network deployment plans for Mumbai. Under the network expansion program- Project Leap, the company has been expanding its network in various circles and the recent was in Kerala, said a TelecomTalk report. During the financial year 2018-19, Airtel plans to roll out 7000 new mobile sites including the large-scale deployment of pre-5G Massive MIMO technology across Mumbai to boost network capacity for high-speed data and voice services, the report said.
 
Airtel reportedly stated that under the network deployment plan, it integrates an additional spectrum carrier of 10 MHz in the 2300 MHz band to further strengthen its 4G footprint. Since Mumbai is one of the key telecom circles for the company, it is striving to step-up high-speed data capabilities. 
 
According to TelecomTalk, the pre-5G Massive MIMO technology would be deployed across all major business hubs and residential locations in the city by Airtel. The MIMO technology will reportedly expand network capacities by 5-7 times on the same spectrum, thereby, delivering faster data speeds. 
 
Amit Tripathi, Chief Executive Officer– Mumbai, Bharti Airtel Ltd, told TelecomTalk, “As part of our endeavour to build a future-ready network to deliver best-in-class experience to our customers, we are stepping up investments considerably by adding 7000 new sites and 10 MHz of TDD LTE spectrum. 
 
"Airtel has pioneered the rollout of Massive MIMO in India, and we are now undertaking large-scale deployments of the cutting-edge technology in key business and residential hubs across Mumbai. This will truly add to the smartphone experience for Airtel customers in the city,” he added.
 
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The plan is expected to boost the current network in Mumbai by 30%, taking the total number of sites to 27,000, besides increasing its optic fibre footprint in the city with an addition of 400 kms of fresh fibre lines, taking the total footprint to 2700 kms to enhance superior high-speed data transmission.