Google Cloud & Nokia to develop 5G & network solutions for CSPs

Google Cloud and Nokia will jointly develop new solutions for communications service providers (CSPs), focused on network infrastructure modernisation, cloud-native 5G core builds, and network edge development for enterprise business service platforms.

"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," explains Google Cloud telco, media and entertainment industry solutions VP George Nazi.

Google Cloud's Anthos platform, as well as its artificial intelligence, analytics, and machine learning technologies, will support Nokia's 5G operations and networking capabilities.

The Anthos for Telecom platform will enable CSPs to build services across the network edge, as well as carrier networks, and public or private clouds.

Nokia's 5G core, cloud packet core, data management, network exposure function, and voice core will also be integrated into Google's services. Further, Nokia's IMPACT IoT Connected Device platform will provide opportunities for remote management of IoT device use. Nokia will also provide a Converged Charging solution for real-time rating and charging capabilities.

"In the past five years, the telecom industry has evolved from physical appliances to virtual network functions and now cloud-native solutions," says Nokia cloud and network services CTO Ron Haberman.

"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.

Industry spokespeople from CSPs such as Deutsche Telekom and BT Group have also commented on the partnership.

Deutsche Telekom strategy and technology innovation SVP, Alex Choi, says his company aims to transform into a new open, disaggregated and cloud-native infrastructure with an automated production model.

"Two innovative organisations like Nokia and Google Cloud [are] joining forces to accelerate ecosystem innovation across critical areas like Open RAN and virtual RAN and the cloud-native 5G core.

BT Group chief architect Neil McRae adds, "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.