Belgian operator Proximus has selected Nokia to upgrade its radio access network and Ericsson for a new mobile data core network. The suppliers will help the company build on its initial 5G network using existing spectrum and the temporary permit for the 3.5 GHz band. The decision means Proximus will no longer work with Huawei on the next generation of 5G network technology.
Proximus started last year looking for suppliers to update the RAN and core. It's launched 5G already at 110 sites in 61 municipalities, using Dynamic Spectrum Sharing over 2x10 MHz in the 2,100 MHz band.
Nokia will gradually upgrade the RAN over the period to 2023, making the vendor an important partner for the further 5G roll-out. That also means largely replacing the existing radio network provided by Huawei.
At the same time Proximus said it's actively looking at the potential for 5G in industrial applications, helped by the temporary licences issued earlier this year. Partners on this include the Port of Antwerp, Brussels Airport and public broadcaster VRT.
Ericsson was selected for the Mobile Data Core due to the value of its dual-mode 5G Core. The cloud-native platform supports standalone and non-standalone 5G, as well as legacy 4G, 3G and 2G systems.
The contract awards follow a thorough competitive tender, based on technological, operational, financial and environmental factors, Proximus said. Savings on mobile capex may reach EUR 80 million for the period 2021-2023, despite a more ambitious roll-out than earlier planned.
Orange same suppliers
At the same time, Orange announced it has selected the same vendors - Nokia for the RAN and Ericsson for the core. Proximus and Orange Belgium are in advanced talks to set up a joint venture on sharing network masts and development.
