In a long-term deal, #Nokia is all set to be BT’s largest provider of 5G radio access equipment replacing Finnish group #Huawei.
The Nokia-powered network for #BT, which at present serves the Midlands, Greater London, and other rural areas, will expand its footprint for several other towns like Aberdeen, Dundee, Exeter, Cambridge and others across the United Kingdom, with the usage of High Risk Vendors and supply of more than 60pc. Additionally, Nokia equipment will be installed across 11,600 sites.
Nokia will be providing its AirScale Single RAN portfolio alongside AirScale base stations and 5G RAN for both indoor and outdoor coverage.
In a decision by Prime Minister Boris Johnson banning Britain’s operators from buying Huawei’s kit, the current equipment will be discarded by 2027.
Along with the network transformation of BT, the operator will be making use of Nokia’s software ng-SDM and NetAct network management platform. This deal also marks an important win for Nokia’s new executive Pekka Lundmark.
In a statement, CEO of BT Group, Philip Jansen said that there is an essence of digital connectivity in UK for the economy, sustainable growth, and creation of jobs. And that’s where BT’s investments in full fiber and #5G will be making a difference.