The deployment shows how network operators can run 5G core networks on a hyperscaler’s public cloud. It demonstrates possibilities for 5G standalone services in the UK.
The rollout provides O2 Telefónica with ultra-low latency to deliver advanced 5G services, like extended reality and network slicing, which require instant availability and greater bandwidth capacity.
Nokia’s secure and cloud-native 5G core architecture, including packet core, strengthens O2 Telefónica’s network with more flexible scaling, reliability, and near zero-touch automation for moving and managing workloads.
Mallik Rao, chief technology and information officer, O2 Telefónica, explained, “We are building our network of the future. With the launch of the new, cloud-based 5G core network, we are doing pioneering work in Europe and we are taking a major step in our transformation process.
“With the new 5G cloud core, we are moving away from traditional architectures and instead focusing on modern, high-performance, and efficient network technologies. In doing so, we are relying on the quality and global expertise of Nokia and AWS. We offer our customers an excellent 5G experience and new digital applications.”
Fabio Cerone, general manager, telecom EMEA, Amazon Web Services, said, “We’re thrilled to be selected for the 5G Cloud Core network deployment of O2 Telefónica and to realize their vision of the network of the future.
“By using Nokia 5G Core network on AWS, O2 Telefónica is redefining its operating model through full automation and elasticity at scale. It will bring O2 Telefónica the ability to dynamically scale and allocate 5G network capabilities to meet customer needs, as well as the needs of the new applications that will run on top of the new core.”
Raghav Sahgal, president of cloud and network services at Nokia, added, “We are delighted to support O2 Telefónica Germany’s move onto AWS. This deployment, the first major one of its kind for an existing communication service provider, enables greater network agility and service offerings, and provides Telefónica Germany with all the tools it needs to efficiently manage and extract greater value from its network assets.
“The deployment underscores Nokia’s multi-cloud ability to migrate communication service providers to the public cloud, making it practical for them to deploy applications and services on the infrastructure of their choice; and, with more flexible scaling, reliability, and near zero-touch automation.”
The deployment underscores Nokia’s multi-cloud ability to migrate existing communication service providers (CSPs) to a range of cloud platform options. That can include public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud. Nokia works with a total of 107 CSP customers on their 5G standalone core networks.