NTT Docomo, a prominent Japanese mobile operator, has announced the integration of Nokia’s cutting-edge Open RAN (O-RAN) compliant 5G AirScale baseband solution across its commercial network nationwide.
This strategic move emphasizes NTT Docomo’s pursuit of a multi-supplier strategy by incorporating Nokia’s Centralized Unit (CU) and Distributed Unit (DU) software, facilitating connectivity with Open Radio Units (RU) from various suppliers.
Nokia’s solution are tailored to empower NTT Docomo with the flexibility to collaborate with multiple suppliers while leveraging Nokia’s energy-efficient AirScale portfolio. This deployment not only promises substantial sustainability benefits but also assures a reduction in the total cost of ownership for NTT Docomo.
The implementation of Nokia’s O-RAN-compliant 5G AirScale baseband solution is set to bring about operational cost savings and sustainability benefits for NTT Docomo, courtesy of Nokia’s energy-efficient technology, driven by the latest ReefShark System-on-Chip innovation. Both Nokia and NTT Docomo have been strong supporters of open networks, investing significantly in advancing the goals of the O-RAN alliance.
Nokia has been a key player in providing RAN solutions for DOCOMO’s 3G and aiding in establishing a multi-supplier strategy for 4G. This collaboration escalates further with the deployment of the O-RAN-compliant 5G network, underscoring NTT Docomo’s commitment to supporting global telecom operators in embracing Open RAN as a commercial reality.
Mark Atkinson, Head of RAN at Nokia, expressed Nokia’s unwavering commitment to Open RAN and its dedication to helping customers achieve their Open RAN objectives. The collaboration aims to offer customers more choices and higher performance in Open RAN solutions, setting Nokia apart as a leader in the RAN space.
Masafumi Masuda, General Manager of Radio Access Network Technology Promotion Office at NTT Docomo, lauded Nokia’s competitive O-RAN compatible AirScale 5G Baseband solution for its performance, connectivity, and operational efficiency. This deployment marks a significant milestone in their journey towards more open networks, with Nokia standing by as a reliable partner every step of the way.
The partnership between NTT Docomo and Nokia signifies the manifestation of Nokia’s anyRAN approach, designed to create future-ready radio access networks in collaboration with an ecosystem of industry partners. This approach aims to offer enhanced flexibility to mobile operators and enterprises in constructing networks that combine purpose-built, hybrid, and Cloud RAN environments with common software, ensuring a smooth evolution path towards hybrid, Cloud RAN, and O-RAN deployments.
