Nokia has announced it has signed a five-year deal with AT&T to deploy the mobile operator’s C-Band network in parts of the US. Deploying 5G in C-Band spectrum with Nokia, will allow AT&T to provide 5G services to its customers with improved coverage and capacity.
AT&T will deploy Nokia’s C-Band portfolio to boost network capacity and to support both indoor and outdoor 5G coverage. C-Band spectrum provides mobile operators with a healthy balance of network coverage and space, while simultaneously allowing a rapid 5G rollout.
The deal includes Nokia’s massive MIMO antenna solutions, macro remote radio heads and next generation AirScale baseband equipment, for AT&T’s use.
Nokia was the first telecoms company to demonstrate a live C-Band network in the US last year and is already supplying 5G services to all US carriers.
Harnessing the power of 5G
“AT&T is committed to bringing the power of 5G to businesses and communities across the nation, and our C-Band deployments with Nokia will help add 5G capacity where it’s needed,” said Igal Elbaz, Senior Vice President of Wireless and Access Technology AT&T.
“AT&T to deliver an exciting and powerful 5G experience.”
Igal Elbaz, AT&T.
Elbaz continued: “Nokia has been our trusted collaborator for more than 20 years as we’ve rolled out each generation of wireless technology, and its C-Band portfolio brings the right capabilities to help enable AT&T to deliver an exciting and powerful 5G experience that our subscribers have come to expect from us.”
The first phase of the US C-Band auction opened up 280 MHz of spectrum with 100 MHz of spectrum, which will be available for 5G networks to use by the end of this year.
Vast C-band portfolio
Nokia’s US C-Band portfolio includes support for both standalone 5G networks and non-standalone networks, cloud-based implementations and Open RAN products. In turn, their vast C-Band holdings will provide AT&T with flexibility for the deployment of its 5G networks. Nokia’s C-Band RAN technology will interwork with existing Nokia LTE RAN equipment deployed by AT&T for a powerful user experience.
“Launch of 5G services into this valuable new spectrum.”
Ed Cholerton, Nokia.
“Nokia is ready to support the launch of 5G services into this valuable new spectrum on our customers’ timelines by leveraging our powerful portfolio of C-Band solutions and by being the first to demonstrate a live C-Band network in the U.S. in 2020. Our flexible and comprehensive portfolio will enable AT&T to enhance its 5G services in areas across the nation,” said Ed Cholerton, President of Nokia North America.
T&T will start deploying the first phase of C-Band spectrum, making it available to users of 5G phones, towards the latter part of 2021.
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