Nokia has expanded its partnership with Alphabet’s Google Cloud unit to begin jointly developing cloud-based 5G core network infrastructure for communication service providers and enterprise customers. The aim is to deliver cloud capabilities to the network edge to accelerate enterprise digital transformation, above all in industries such as smart retail, connected manufacturing and digital consumer experiences, said the companies in a joint statement.
Under the deal, which follows Nokia’s recent decision to move its on-premises IT infrastructure to Google Cloud, the partners will work closely to validate, optimise and evolve cloud-native network functions, while co-innovating new solutions to help providers deliver 5G connectivity and services at scale. Specifically, the companies will combine Nokia’s 5G operations services and networking capabilities with Google Cloud’s technologies in AI, ML and analytics, running on Anthos as a platform for shifting workloads to the network edge, across public and private clouds.
Nokia will supply its voice core, cloud packet core, network exposure function, data management, signalling and 5G core, including its IMPACT IoT Connected Device Platform and Converged Charging solution. Google Cloud’s Anthos for Telecom platform, meanwhile, will be used as the basis for deploying applications, enabling customers to build an ecosystem of services.
Deutsche Telekom said the Nokia and Google Cloud partnership will allow it to accelerate ecosystem innovation across areas such as Open RAN, virtual RAN and the cloud-native 5G core, with BT Group adding the collaboration will create new possibilities for consumers and enterprises alike while boosting the company’s own on-demand edge and convergence products.
In October Nokia agreed a five-year contract to migrate its data centres and servers around the world, as well as various software applications, onto Google Cloud infrastructure.
