Samsung Electronics Co. will supply 5G network solutions to India’s No. 2 wireless Bharti Airtel, together with Ericsson and Nokia, gaining boost in the foray into the world’s second most populated country in fast digital migration.

It is the Korean electronics giant`s first deal with Bharti Airtel, the second largest telecom operator in India and the fourth largest in the world. Established in 1995, Bharti Airtel has 490 million subscribed users across 17 countries. The Indian telco is rolling out the 5G network in India this month.

With the deal, Samsung Electronics will be able to further expand its foothold in India, the second largest mobile network service market in the world. The country has 1.1 billion mobile users with average monthly data traffic of 15.3 gigabytes.

Previously in 2016, Samsung Electronics teamed up with Reliance Jio, the largest wireless operator in India, on setting up a 4G network in the country.

“5G will have a powerful impact on India’s consumers and businesses—taking mobile experiences to a new level, introducing a gamut of enhanced capabilities and expanding what is possible. As a global leader in 5G, Samsung is excited to embark on this 5G journey with Airtel to deliver innovative solutions that will help advance India’s entrepreneurial spirit and open up a new paradigm for the country,” Cheun Kyung-whoon, head of the networks business at Samsung Electronics, said in a statement.

Samsung Electronics will provide 5G network solutions and equipment to Bharti Airtel. The deal also includes building 5G radio stations and providing maintenance and other services. The deal value was not disclosed.

Sweden’s Ericsson and Finland`s Nokia have also been selected as 5G partners of the Indian mobile carrier.

On Thursday, Samsung Electronics shares rose 0.65 percent to close at 61,700 won ($47.10).

By Cho Jeehyun

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