Finland's Nokia is in talks with Bharti Airtel about securing a multi-billion dollar contract to provide 5G telecom equipment for the Indian mobile operator which is expanding its network, three sources familiar with the matter said.

This possible collaboration between Nokia and Airtel highlights the competitive landscape in India's telecom sector, as companies rush to expand their 5G networks and secure market share.

Airtel’s latest renewal came weeks after Vodafone Idea signed $3.6 billion equipment deals with all three equipment vendors to expand its 4G network and gradually roll out 5G services.

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) -Swedish telecom gear maker Ericsson has received a new multi-billion dollar contract for selling 5G equipment from India's Bharti Airtel, two sources familiar with the matter said.

The deal with Airtel would be for Nokia's latest AirScale mobile radios that support upgrading an existing network to 5G-Advanced and reduces energy costs