AT&T has announced that it will move its 5G mobile network to the Microsoft cloud. The telco notes that the strategic alliance provides a path for all of AT&T’s mobile network traffic to be managed using Microsoft Azure technologies. The companies will start with AT&T’s 5G core (i.e the software at the heart of the 5G network that connects mobile users and IoT devices with internet and other services).
As per the agreement, Microsoft is acquiring AT&T’s carrier-grade Network Cloud platform technology, which AT&T’s 5G core network runs on. As such, Microsoft will gain access to AT&T’s intellectual property and technical expertise to grow its telecom flagship offering, Azure for Operators.
AT&T will continue to operate its network and retain its customer relationships. By using Microsoft’s hybrid and hyperscale infrastructure, the telco is confident that it can substantially reduce engineering and development costs.