Airtel was keen to use the technology as a cost-effective way to deliver wireless backhaul — or connectivity between the telcos mobile towers and its core network — to ensure uninterrupted 4G/5G coverage in rural and mountainous regions where there arent enough towers or terrestrial backhaul links via fibre networks. Airtel insiders now believe more extensive joint field trials are required to assess the technical and commercial viability of the technology in India, especially in poor weather conditions.