Nokia Teaming Up With NOW Telecom to Design 5G Network for the Philippines

Bell Labs Consulting, part of Nokia, has been chosen by NOW Telecom to develop a 5G Standalone (SA) network design for the entire Philippines and plan a national broadband network. Nokia will also be responsible for setting up a trial 5G network in various locations in Metro Manila.

Nokia
Nokia will assist NOW Telecom in obtaining funding for the deployment of the first 5G Standalone (SA) network in the Philippines and offer unique services, through the network planning and design provided by the Finnish company. This effort is made possible by the grant given to NOW Telecom from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), aimed to advance the development of 5G mobile and wireless networks in the country.

For the unaware, 5G SA refers to a network having its independent infrastructure. The core of this type of network is built entirely on the 5G specification, which is devised by the 3GPP – an organization that develops standards for mobile telecommunication. There are no 4G/LTE or existing legacy components used in 5G SA.

By utilizing Nokia’s expertise in network design and planning, as well as their automation software for network management, NOW Telecom aims to meet the increasing demand for dependable and secure digital services for both residential and business customers. Their plans include offering Fixed Wireless Access and enhanced Mobile Broadband 5G services to connect underserved areas and improve network speed and responsiveness.

“We are excited that our expertise will make a critical contribution to the development of digital infrastructure in the country. The study by our Bell Labs Consulting will provide NOW Telecom with the required analysis, designs, and plans for the phased implementation of the 5G SA network,” said Stefan Wilhelm, Head of Bell Labs Consulting at Nokia.

SOURCE: GIZMOCHINA