Reliance Jio Shifts To In-House 5G Gear: Report

SUMMARY

The move could potentially cut its dependence on global vendors such as Ericsson and Nokia

Jio is making use of its 5G small cell sites and other radio gear, manufactured near Chennai by RIL’s electronics joint venture with Sanmina Corp

Jio partnered with Nokia and Ericsson to build its 5G radio access network (RAN), in late 2022

Reliance Jio has reportedly started deploying its own network products to strengthen its domestic 5G network across the country, signalling its motive to save huge costs.

An ET report said that the move could potentially cut its dependence on global vendors such as Ericsson and Nokia.

To note, Jio partnered with smartphone manufacturer Nokia and telecom equipment and service provider Ericsson to build its 5G radio access network (RAN), in late 2022.

Based on its partnership with the global brands, Nokia supplied equipment including high-capacity 5G massive MIMO antennas, and remote radio heads (RRH), while Ericsson offered its 5G RAN products and solutions, and e-band microwave mobile transport solutions to Reliance Jio, since then.

Inc42 has reached out to Reliance Jio for comments on the development. The story will be updated based on the response.

In order to meet the growing demand of 5G users, Jio is making use of its 5G small cell sites and other radio gear, which are locally manufactured near Chennai by parent Reliance Industries Limited’s (RIL) electronics joint venture with Sanmina Corp, the report said citing sources familiar with the matter.

The products are part of the overall suite of 5G radio equipment under Jio Platforms Ltd (JPL), that also covered RIL’s telecom and digital properties, as per the report.

Jio Platforms subsidiary Radisys Corp, which offers open source telecom solutions and services, may also be involved in designing and offering relevant digital applications for the locally developed 5G small cell sites, a source added.

As per its last quarterly results, RIL revealed that Jio’s 5G customer base stands at over 170 Mn and accounts for 40% of the company’s wireless traffic.

The development comes months after the telecom major rolled out its 4G and 5G services at the Siachen glacier, making it the first telecom operator to deliver connectivity in the “harsh region”.

Meanwhile, this year, Jio has also launched its latest “5.5G” network, that offers download speed of up to 10 Gbps and upload speeds of up to 1 Gbps.

On the financial front, RIL’s digital arm posted a 26% increase in its consolidated net profit to INR 6,861 Cr in Q3 FY25 from INR 5,447 Cr in the year-ago quarter. Revenue from operations zoomed 19.2% to INR 33,074 Cr in the quarter under preview, compared to INR 27,697 Cr in Q3 FY24.