Deals with Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud, will see Nokia’s cloud-based radio access network (RAN) technologies integrated with each vendor’s platform.
According to a statement by the Finnish network equipment manufacturer, the partnerships will make it “easier and cheaper to deploy 5G networks”.
Each of the partnerships will have a unique focus with Nokia saying it plans to work with Microsoft on network slicing and with AWS on an end-to-end proof of concept solution that includes5G Cloud RAN. Nokia will also integrate its 5G RAN with Azure 4G/5G core to showcase how blending these technologies can support Microsoft’s enterprise customers.
Tommi Uitto, president of mobile networks at Nokia, said: “Open collaboration is key to the development of new and innovative high-value 5G use cases that will equip our customers with the tools they need for digital transformation. This is part of Nokia’s continued commitment to leading an open mobile future, making it simple for our customers to take advantage of the 5G world helping to drive it forward.”
Nokia said the partnership deals are the first step towards “moving away from traditional infrastructure and towards the cloud” in which it intends to invest heavily in R&D and “future capabilities”.
