Nokia and Deutsche Telekom launch large-scale commercial O-RAN network

Details in cooperation

Nokia announced to be awarded over 3000 sites by Deutsche Telekom (DT) to support the operator’s multi vendor Open RAN network expansion in Germany. The agreement includes Fujitsu. And it covers the large-scale launch of O-RAN compliant technology. That has been commercially deployed in the New Brandenburg region of northern Germany. This new agreement officially marks Nokia’s return as the largest network supplier in Europe. Also, it will replace existing suppliers in the areas covered by the agreement.

According to the agreement, Nokia will provide devices that comply with the O-RAN standard for its 5G AirScale product portfolio, which utilizes energy-efficient ReefShark system on chip technology, including modular, high-capacity baseband solutions and high-performance Habrok Massive MIMO radios to achieve high-quality coverage and capacity. Nokia’s industry-leading solutions ensure consistency, resilience, and security of Open RAN performance. Nokia’s solution integrates DT’s multi vendor Open RAN environment, and Fujitsu will provide its O-RAN compatible intermediate frequency remote radio head products. This agreement will also enable Nokia to work with existing suppliers to support DT’s network modernization.

Nokia will also deploy its artificial intelligence based MantaRay NM solution to improve network monitoring and management, and will provide AI based services including digital deployment, optimization, and technical support.

Remarks from both sides

Abdu Mudesir, Chief Technology Officer and Managing Director of Deutsche Telekom Group, commented, “This transaction further demonstrates our important commitment to multi vendor Open RAN and ensures that we have more supplier choices in wireless access networks. The achieved regional network performance provides the best customer experience. Now, together with Nokia, we look forward to expanding Open RAN in Germany.”

Nokia Mobile Networks President Tommi Uitto said, “While others are talking about open RAN, Nokia is actually doing it, and doing it on a large scale. This is a significant deal for Nokia because Europe’s largest network operator has selected us to expand our partnership. And we are proud to have this cooperation because of our technological leadership, innovative product portfolio, and open approach. We look forward to further expanding our partnership in the future.”