- Airtel and Ericsson secured a multi-billion-dollar contract to supply 5G equipment for Airtel in India.
- The deal comes after a major contract win for Ericsson with Vodafone Idea and other companies.
- The Indian 5G market has seen rapid growth, helping Ericsson recover from declining revenues.

India’s Telecom sector is experiencing a significant shift as 5G technology continues to expand its presence. Among the key players driving this transformation is Airtel, which has entered into a new partnership with Ericsson. The Swedish telecom giant has secured a major contract to supply 5G equipment to Airtel, further solidifying its role in India’s 5G rollout.
This partnership marks an essential milestone for Ericsson, especially following a period of declining sales in India earlier this year. With this new contract, the company aims to recover its lost ground and meet the increasing demand for advanced telecom solutions in India’s rapidly evolving 5G landscape.
Airtel Ericsson 5G equipment contract
Airtel Ericsson has officially landed a new multi-billion-dollar contract to provide 5G equipment to Airtel, one of India’s leading telecom providers. This comes after Ericsson already bagged a large portion of a $3.6 billion deal to supply similar technology to Vodafone Idea. This collaboration with Airtel is expected to further enhance the telecom infrastructure in India, driving both companies to a higher level of technological advancement in the 5G domain.
With the growing 5G demand in India, Bharti Airtel’s decision to partner with Ericsson underscores the importance of reliable infrastructure providers. Airtel has been aggressively expanding its 5G services, and Ericsson’s expertise in delivering high-quality telecom equipment will be key in meeting the increasing expectations of Indian consumers.
Impact on Future Revenue
For Ericsson, these new contracts represent more than just a business win. They offer a potential recovery path after a rough first half of 2024, where the company’s contracts in India had decreased significantly. Sales in Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India dropped by 44% during the second quarter, signaling the urgency for a comeback.
The recent surge in 5G deployments across India has been crucial in cushioning this blow. Both Airtel and Jio, Reliance Industries’ telecom division, have ramped up their 5G rollouts, which has driven demand for Ericsson’s technology. This surge in demand is expected to contribute positively to Ericsson’s financial performance in the coming quarters.
Airtel Ericsson Deployment of 5G Equipment
Most of the deployment for this new contract is likely to occur next year. Ericsson is expected to supply critical infrastructure that will support Airtel’s expansion in the Indian 5G market. With sales in the region increasing fivefold in 2023 alone, Ericsson is ready to benefit from the rapid growth in demand for 5G technology.
India’s telecom industry has become a focal point for global players, and Ericsson’s continued success in securing these high-value contracts indicates its solid foothold. While the US market for Ericsson has seen reduced spending from telecom operators, the Indian market remains a bright spot, offering ample opportunities for growth and revenue generation.
The partnership between Airtel and Ericsson highlights the evolving telecom landscape in India, where 5G is becoming the foundation for future innovations. Ericsson’s role in deploying 5G equipment for Airtel not only boosts the company’s revenue prospects but also strengthens India’s position as a leader in next-gen telecom services.
This collaboration represents a critical step forward in ensuring that Indian consumers receive high-quality 5G services, backed by cutting-edge technology from one of the world’s leading telecom equipment providers. As Ericsson continues to recover from earlier setbacks, this contract with Airtel positions the company for a promising future in the Indian market.
FAQ
What is the new contract between Airtel Ericsson about?
Airtel has signed a multi-billion-dollar deal with Ericsson to supply 5G equipment in India.
How will this deal affect Ericsson’s revenue?
The deal is expected to boost Ericsson’s revenue in 2024, particularly after a challenging start to the year.
When will the deployment of 5G equipment begin?
Most of the deployment is expected to take place next year as part of Airtel’s 5G expansion.