Nokia wins 5G supply deal with NTT DoCoMo
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Japan’s NTT DoCoMo has contracted Nokia to supply 5G baseband products to support the operator’s goal of commercially deploying a 5G network by 2020.
Under the deal, Nokia will integrate its 5G new radio based AirScale hardware into Nokia’s network and further enhancing existing baseband units.
DoCoMo and Nokia have been collaborating closely on 5G trials and have now agreed on supply of Nokia 5G baseband units to support centralized management for 5G remote radio heads, supporting the evolution of the DoCoMo network from LTE to 5G.
“We have been collaborating with partners such as Nokia on various 5G technology and use case trials since 2014. With this agreement with Nokia, we are now proceeding to the next step to launch 5G mobile services by 2020, and accelerate co-creation of new services and businesses with vertical industry partners,” DoCoMo CTO Hiroshi Nakamura said.
Nokia is currently focused on applying the 3GPP-compliant 5G new radio standard in customer trials ahead of expected commercial launches between 2019 and 2020. The first stage of the 5G new radio standard was published in late 2017.
Questions & Answers
Q.What specific products will Nokia provide under this new contract?
What specific products will Nokia provide under this new contract?
Nokia will supply 5G baseband products and integrate its 5G new radio based AirScale hardware into its network. This will also enhance DoCoMo's existing baseband units.
Q.What is the timeline for NTT DoCoMo's 5G network deployment?
What is the timeline for NTT DoCoMo's 5G network deployment?
NTT DoCoMo aims to commercially deploy its 5G network by 2020. This agreement with Nokia is a step towards launching 5G mobile services by that year.
Q.How long have DoCoMo and Nokia been working together on 5G technology?
How long have DoCoMo and Nokia been working together on 5G technology?
DoCoMo and Nokia have been collaborating on various 5G technology and use case trials since 2014. This long-standing partnership has now led to a supply agreement.
Q.What is the broader industry context for Nokia's 5G deployment efforts?
What is the broader industry context for Nokia's 5G deployment efforts?
Nokia is currently focused on applying the 3GPP-compliant 5G new radio standard in customer trials. Commercial launches are expected between 2019 and 2020, with the first standard published in late 2017.
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