Qatar-based telecommunications giant Ooredoo has announced a strategic partnership with Nokia aimed at capitalizing on the burgeoning private 5G network sector. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will see the two companies working together to develop bespoke 5G networks tailored for enterprise clients.
Under the terms of the agreement, Ooredoo and Nokia will collaborate on the design, deployment, and customization of 5G solutions, catering to the unique requirements of businesses across various industries. While specific details of the forthcoming offerings remain undisclosed, the focus is set on delivering ultra-reliable, low-latency communication services and bolstering IoT connectivity.
Najib Khan, Ooredoo’s chief business services officer, emphasized the significance of this partnership, citing it as a pivotal step towards expanding Ooredoo’s capabilities in the 5G enterprise domain. Ooredoo’s move into private cellular networks aligns with its broader strategy of enhancing its enterprise portfolio, which includes fixed and mobile connectivity, cloud services, security solutions, and IoT offerings across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia.
This collaboration positions Ooredoo to tap into a lucrative market segment. Analysts predict significant growth in private cellular networks spending, with enterprises expected to invest up to $9 billion annually by 2028. This represents a substantial increase from $1 billion in 2022, highlighting the immense potential for expansion in this sector.
For Nokia, the partnership with Ooredoo underscores its ongoing commitment to the Middle East market. The Finnish telecommunications equipment manufacturer has been actively expanding its footprint in the region, securing 5G deployment contracts with major operators.
While the impact of this MoU on Nokia’s regional revenue may be incremental, it represents another important milestone in the company’s strategy to strengthen its presence in private networking solutions.
The collaboration between Ooredoo and Nokia signals a concerted effort to leverage 5G technology for enterprise applications, setting the stage for innovative solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses in Qatar and beyond.