Italy is on track to unveil its first 5G Standalone (SA) millimeter wave (mmWave) network, aimed at enhancing Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services in underserved communities. This deployment, announced by Nokia, represents a significant step forward, as the company will establish one of Europe’s pioneering 5G SA mmWave infrastructures to support EOLO, an Italian connectivity provider.
The collaboration between Nokia and EOLO spans a four-year period and will leverage Nokia’s AirScale portfolio along with its Shikra mmWave radios. This setup includes the FastMile FWA receivers, specifically the FastMile 5G mmWave outdoor receiver. By utilizing low-cost mmWave spectrum, this technology ensures a reliable, high-speed wireless broadband service, especially in regions where fiber installation poses challenges.
EOLO, recognized as a Benefit Corporation and the first B Corp in the Italian telecom sphere, aims to capitalize on this advanced network to serve areas excluded from fiber connectivity. In a strategic advancement earlier, EOLO teamed with Fastweb, another Italian telecom entity, to bolster coverage in digitally deprived zones. This collaboration involves utilizing the 26 GHz spectrum acquired by Fastweb during Italy’s 2018 spectrum auction and integrating EOLO’s FWA system with Fastweb’s fiber-optic framework. The joint effort amplifies their service provision abilities, promising download speeds up to 1 Gbps.
As part of this strategic alliance, EOLO gains wholesale access to Fastweb’s fiber infrastructure and can now offer fiber-to-the-home services. This integration complements their FWA services, enhancing their market reach. Guido Garrone, CEO of EOLO, remarked on the new deal with Nokia, noting it as a testament to their pursuit of a premium FWA network capable of delivering outstanding customer experiences nationwide.
By collaborating with Nokia and other partners, EOLO aims to provide FWA connectivity reaching up to 1 Gbps, closing the digital divide. They foresee the new 5G infrastructure as a catalyst for further developing their network capabilities, enhancing user experience, and bridging both the digital and speed divides. The move underscores a commitment towards technological progress and comprehensive connectivity solutions in Italy.
