NOS Portugal recently entered into a significant agreement with Nokia, encompassing a 5G Standalone Core implementation and a joint effort to develop APIs. This collaboration marks a step forward in NOS’s commitment to innovating in the 5G realm, offering customers new, cutting-edge services.
The deal emphasizes the establishment of a 5G SA core, a move that promises to enhance NOS’s network with an automated, scalable, and ultra-responsive software model. This advancement is set to pave the way for groundbreaking 5G services with minimal latency. Additionally, the partnership includes a memorandum of understanding (MoU), under which NOS will leverage Nokia’s Network as Code platform. This collaboration aims to create various APIs for industrial, enterprise, and consumer applications, a move reflective of the industry’s broader trend towards leveraging 5G for diverse, customer-centric solutions.
Furthermore, Nokia is set to bolster NOS’s capabilities with its MantaRay Network Management solution, formerly known as NetAct. This enhancement will be supported by Nokia’s 7220 IXR interconnect routers and managed through the Nokia Fabric Services System, ensuring a robust and efficient cloud and networking infrastructure.
Shkumbin Hamiti, Head of Network Monetization Platform, Cloud and Network Services at Nokia, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. He highlighted the potential of the Nokia Network as Code platform, along with its developer portal, to foster software solution development and drive value creation. He also emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration for serving enterprises and consumers in Portugal.
Echoing this sentiment, Jorge Graça, Chief Technology Officer at NOS, underscored the pivotal role of innovation in maintaining their market leadership in 5G. He affirmed that the integration of Nokia’s 5G SA Core is a critical step in capitalizing on their network capabilities and exploring new growth avenues.
The industry has been abuzz with discussions about the potential of APIs to open new revenue streams for telecommunications companies. However, this landscape is complex, as evidenced by contrasting approaches in the sector, such as Ericsson’s acquisition of API specialist Vonage. In contrast, Nokia has adopted a more gradual approach, focusing on internal development rather than large-scale acquisitions, a strategy that appears to mitigate substantial financial risks.
