Nokia has recently extended a long-term 5G deal with BT, the largest provider of fixed-line, broadband, and mobile services in the UK, filling the void left as Chinese company Huawei is blocked from providing 5G network services in the country.
Nokia announced in a statement on Tuesday (September 29) they are going to be BT’s largest equipment provider as they increase the market share of the UK telecom’s Radio Access Network after their selection as 5G RAN supplier.
The total amount of the deal has not been disclosed but it will see Nokia providing base stations and antennas to BT to let subscriber’s devices make calls and transmit mobile data through BT’s 5G Radio Access Network.
The recent deal between the Finnish company and the UK telecoms provider will allow the Finnish firm to replace Chinese telecoms giant Huawei in BT’s infrastructure, particularly the 2G and 4G networks. Nokia is already providing 3G services to BT’s EE network.
Following its selection as a 5G RAN vendor for the UK operator, the Finnish telecoms giant will become BT’s largest equipment provider.
Back in July, the UK government decided to phase out Huawei 5G networks from all mobile providers until 2027. BT together with other mobile providers is also banned from buying Huawei 5G equipment after December 31.
The UK government cited national security concerns as grounds for Huawei’s 5G network ban despite a strong partnership between BT and Huawei that has been existing since 2005.
With this latest development, Nokia will provide equipment and services at BT radio sites across the UK, helping to evolve BT’s radio access network to 5G and supporting its goal of maintaining the country’s best network.
BT’s Nokia-powered network, which currently includes Greater London, the Midlands, and rural locations, will be extended to also cover multiple other towns and cities across the United Kingdom.
This enhanced Nokia footprint will support BT’s commitments to the UK government around the use of High-Risk Vendors in the UK network infrastructure.
“Digital connectivity is critical to the UK’s economic future, creating jobs, and underpinning sustainable growth. That’s why BT is making game-changing investments in full-fiber and 5G. In a fast-moving and competitive market, it’s critical we make the right technology choices,” BT Group CEO Philip Jansen said.
“With this next stage of our successful relationship with Nokia we will continue to lead the rollout of fixed and mobile networks to deliver stand-out experiences for customers,” Jansen said.
The latest deal is an accomplishment for Pekka Lundmark, Nokia CEO and President, who was appointed by the Nokia board last March in replacement of Rajeev Suri who stepped down after more than a decade as President and CEO. Lundmark assumed the position last September 1.
“I am delighted that BT has extended its partnership with Nokia on 5G RAN, making Nokia BT’s largest infrastructure partner. Our two companies have collaborated for over a quarter of a century in order to deliver best-in-class connectivity to people across the United Kingdom. We are proud to support BT’s 5G network evolution and look forward to working even more closely together in the years to come,” said Lundmark, Nokia CEO and President.
What will be the role of Nokia in BT’s 5G network?
Nokia will supply its AirScale Single RAN (S-RAN) portfolio for both indoor and outdoor coverage, including 5G RAN, AirScale base stations, and Nokia AirScale radio access products.
These solutions will enable BT to build on its existing network leadership in the UK to deliver connectivity and capacity benefits to consumers at ultra-low latencies as well as reducing complexity and increasing cost efficiencies.
The deal will also see Nokia optimize BT’s existing 2G and 4G networks previously provided by Huawei and work alongside BT on the development of the OpenRAN ecosystem.
As part of BT’s network transformation, the mobile telecoms operator will also utilize Nokia Software’s ng-SDM and NetAct network management platform, supporting the network evolution to 5G.
These build upon the existing network architecture and provide an immediate cornerstone and single platform for new 5G-based services. Nokia will also provide its state-of-the-art Cell Site Gateway product providing key backhaul connectivity.
Nokia will also provide digital design and deployment for a faster time to market as well as optimization and technical support services.
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