US cloud giant Google Cloud and Nokia has inked a global strategic partnership to provide a slew of new cloud-based 5G solutions to telcos around the world.
Under the agreement, Nokia and Google Cloud will work together to develop a range of solutions that will allow telcos to redefine their network infrastructures and build on a cloud-native 5G Core. It will also allow them to develop the network edge as a business services platform for their enterprise customers.
“Communications service providers have a tremendous opportunity ahead of them to support businesses’ digital transformations at the network edge through both 5G connectivity and cloud-native applications and capabilities. Doing so requires modernised infrastructure, built for a cloud-native 5G core, and we’re proud to partner with Nokia to help the telecommunications industry expand and support these customers,” said George Nazi, VP, Telco, Media & Entertainment Industry Solutions at Google Cloud.
Nokia will supply its voice core, cloud packet core, network exposure function, data management, signaling, and 5G core, as part of the agreement. This includes Nokia’s IMPACT IoT Connected Device Platform, as well as Nokia’s Converged Charging solution.
“In the past five years, the telecom industry has evolved from physical appliances to virtual network functions and now cloud-native solutions. Nokia is excited to work with Google Cloud in service of our customers, both CSPs and enterprise, to provide choice and freedom to run workloads on premise and in the public cloud. Cloud-native network functions and automation will enable new agility and use-cases in the 5G era,” said Ron Haberman, CTO of Cloud and Network Services at Nokia.
Google Cloud’s Anthos for Telecom will serve as the platform for deploying applications, enabling CSPs to build an ecosystem of services that are deployable anywhere, from the edge of the network, to public clouds, private clouds and carrier networks.
Telcos around the world are looking to fast track their network transformation and digitalisation initiatives, particularly as they readjust to life in the post-pandemic world.
In response to the Google Cloud and Nokia partnership, Neil McRae, Chief Architect at BT Group said, “BT is deploying cloud-native technologies across our platform, creating value for our customers and ensuring they get the best network experience in every aspect of their daily lives, whether at home, on the move or at work. The network and the services that our customers depend upon in their everyday lives can be further enhanced in terms of scalability, reliability, and experience with cloud-native technologies. BT is excited that Google and Nokia are innovating together to help accelerate new, on-demand edge and convergence solutions, creating new possibilities for consumers and enterprises.”
