Nokia and Google partner to develop cloud-native 5G core solutions

Nokia and Google Cloud, on Thursday, announced of a strategic partnership to develop cloud-native 5G core solutions for communication service providers and business customers. The two companies collectively hope to work together on developing cloud-native network functions to "co-innovate new solutions that will help CSPs deliver 5G connectivity and services at scale."

The new venture seeks to combine Nokia's 5G operations service and Google cloud's Anthos modern application platform, leading technology in AI, machine learning and analytics.

"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, said George Nazi, VP, Telco, Media and Entertainment Industry Solutions at Google Cloud. "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," he added.

Ron Haberman, CTO of Cloud and Network Services at Nokia, said, "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."

Pekka Lundmark, the new CEO of Nokia who took over last year had announced in October that Nokia would do whatever it takes to take the lead in 5G ahead of its competitors. As per sources, some of these features shall be available by the end of 2021.