Tele2 is to deploy Nokia’s Cloud Packet Core solution across its entire footprint as it looks to cope with more dynamic network requirements as the industry moves towards 5G.
Its Croatian operations will be the first destination for the solution, followed by Sweden, the Baltic states, Austria, the Netherlands and Kazakhstan.
Nokia said the solution would allow Tele2 to adopt an automated cloud networking and service operations strategy by flexibly deploying network resources. It will allow the operator to support booming LTE usage as well as prepare it for 5G.
The solution comprises Nokia’s Cloud Mobility Manager and Cloud Mobile Gateway, which run on OpenStack network functions virtualisation infrastructure.
Basil Alwan, president of IP/Optical Networks at Nokia, said: “Like all leading operators, Tele2 is building out its packet core network to address the growth of consumer mobile broadband and an evolution path to 5G. Nokia is a packet core innovator and our cloud-native solution will allow Tele2 to connect a greater number and variety of devices and deliver a broader range of services.
“We look forward to helping our customer transform its mobile network infrastructure so they can offer new services faster, ensure scalability and performance, and evolve with confidence.”
Earlier this year, Tele2 said it wanted to move network and IT functions to the cloud. It started working with Canonical to provide a managed OpenStack-based solution.
The operator’s Chief Operating Officer said cloud and virtualisation technologies were vital building blocks for 5G preparation.