Ooredoo Qatar has selected Nokia to build a 5G cloud native core network to support delivery of enhanced mobile broadband services. Nokia’s solution will be deployed in Ooredoo’s data centres in Qatari capital Doha, a press release reads, adding that the cloud-based core network architecture is ‘scalable, agile and flexible, making it reliable and suitable for extreme mobile broadband and massive/critical machine communication services’. Nokia AirFrame, CloudBand, voice and Cloud Packet Core Virtualised Network Functions (VNFs), and Nuage Networks Software Defined Network (SDN) are being deployed in the core network.
Yousuf Abdulla Al Kubaisi, COO of Ooredoo Qatar, said: ‘The modernisation of our core network will enhance our capabilities to innovate with new services. It will also help us to meet additional demands for high speed data services in general, as well as bursts in demand, particularly in upcoming mega sporting events. Our 5G network will open the floodgates for machine learning, automation and micro-services use cases for consumer and business customers in the country.’
Bernard Najm, head of the Middle East Market Unit at Nokia, added: ‘We are excited to partner with Ooredoo Qatar to set up a 5G core network that is truly ‘cloud native’ from the ground up, not just an evolution of current core solutions. Our solution supports all flavours of mobile access network technologies and enables our customers to bring new 5G services to market rapidly. The solution provides the low latency, high throughput and content-rich services that will support Ooredoo Qatar’s business goals immediately and well into the future.’
Separately, Ooredoo Qatar has this week disclosed that it is expanding its range of smartphones supporting VoLTE, with more Samsung handsets becoming VoLTE-enabled on its 4G network, adding to the existing options of Apple iPhone (all models) and Samsung 9/9-Plus+/10/10-Plus.