Samsung looks beyond Jio to build 5G network; in talks with Airtel, VIL

Reliance Jio has undertaken trials with Ericsson in 5G

South Korean giant Samsung which entered India’s telecom gear market by winning the contract to build Reliance Jio’s pan-India 4G network is now looking beyond Jio in 5G.

It is in talks with Bharti Airtel to supply equipment and build the 5G network for the telco in a few circles which might include Punjab and Kolkata, say sources in the know.

Samsung has also held preliminary talks with Vodafone Idea. A Samsung India spokesperson declined to comment. A query to Bharti Airtel and Vodafone did not receive a reply.

The move by Samsung is significant. With Chinese companies Huawei and