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Tag: Nokia

  • Major leap: Nokia & Turkcell secure network with quantum tech

    Major leap: Nokia & Turkcell secure network with quantum tech

    Nokia and Turkcell announced a groundbreaking achievement in mobile network security by demonstrating quantum-safe IPsec cryptography. 

    Quantum-safe IPsec cryptography protects data communications from quantum computing threats by enhancing traditional IPsec with post-quantum cryptographic methods, ensuring robust security against advanced quantum attacks.

    This collaboration, announced December 20 Friday,  marks a significant advancement in protecting mobile communications against the potential threats posed by quantum computing.

    Read also: Google’s VEO 2 simplifies video editing for content creators, outperforms Open AI’s Sora 

    A new era in network security

    As quantum computing technology advances, conventional encryption methods encounter vulnerabilities that could jeopardise sensitive data.

    To address this risk, Nokia and Turkcell have integrated quantum-safe cryptography into Turkcell’s mobile transport network.

    This implementation employs Nokia’s IPsec Security Gateway to encrypt data packets at the network layer, thereby protecting communications for millions of subscribers.

    Prof. Dr. Vehbi Çağrı Güngör, Turkcell’s Chief Network Technologies Officer, emphasised the importance of this initiative: “This test represents a significant milestone in the evolution of our network security…this collaboration with Nokia provides us with the confidence that our transport security can withstand the challenges of the quantum era”.

    This reflects a wider industry recognition of the need for improved security measures in our increasingly digital world.

    Read also: Apple faces legal scrutiny over alleged complicity in Congo’s human rights abuses

    Future-proofing mobile communications

    The successful demonstration not only sets a new benchmark for network security but also reassures users about the safety of their mobile communications. 

    Rafael De Fermin, Nokia’s Senior Vice President of Network Infrastructure Europe, stated, “Through our collaboration with Turkcell, we’ve shown how our quantum-safe IPsec technology can protect mobile networks against the evolving security threat landscape”.

    This proactive approach helps both companies prepare for future challenges rather than just react to current threats.

    This development has broader implications, serving as a template for the telecom industry to adopt quantum-resistant measures.

    Nokia and Turkcell set an example for others by emphasising the need for collaboration among industry leaders to address evolving cybersecurity challenges.

  • Nokia, Motorola introduce AI-powered drones to assist first responders in emergency situations

    Nokia, Motorola introduce AI-powered drones to assist first responders in emergency situations

    Nokia and Motorola Solutions announced the groundbreaking integration of drone technology on Thursday to enhance public safety and mission-critical operations. 

    This collaboration introduces an AI-enhanced, automated drone-in-a-box solution designed to effectively support first responders and various industries in managing emergencies.

    Read also: Google Drive folders can now be summarised by Gemini AI

    Transforming public safety

    The new drone system combines Nokia’s advanced drone hardware with Motorola’s CAPE software, enabling real-time situational awareness and remote operations.

    This integration allows drones to be dispatched quickly to assess emergencies, providing crucial data for decision-making and resource allocation. 

    As Stephan Litjens, Nokia’s Vice President, stated, “Together, we are setting technology best practices in drone connectivity and AI.”

    This innovative approach aims to improve safety for responders and their communities. 

    Roxana Kennedy, Chief of Police at the Chula Vista Police Department, highlighted the effectiveness of drone technology in critical situations: “Our DFR program has been instrumental in critical life-and-death situations by providing aerial awareness.”

    The system’s capabilities include obstacle avoidance and adaptability to changing environments, ensuring safe operations even in complex scenarios.

    Read also: Google’s NotebookLM allows users interact with its AI podcast hosts 

    A sustainable future

    Beyond immediate safety benefits, this drone technology is positioned as a sustainable alternative to traditional methods like helicopters. By reducing carbon emissions associated with aerial surveillance, the solution aligns with global sustainability goals while maintaining operational efficiency.

    The drones can operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), making them suitable for monitoring hard-to-reach areas such as offshore wind farms.

    Motorola’s CAPE software enhances the functionality of these drones, allowing for seamless integration into existing workflows. 

    Jehan Wickramasuriya, corporate vice president at Motorola Solutions, emphasised the importance of this innovation: “We’re innovating where our customers need us most to bring them better intelligence for faster decisions”.

    As both companies move forward with this partnership, they are committed to improving public safety through advanced technology. Integrating AI in drone operations enhances situational awareness and streamlines processes that can save lives during emergencies.

  • Former Nokia CEO Rajeev Suri appointed chairman of M-KOPA

    Former Nokia CEO Rajeev Suri appointed chairman of M-KOPA

    Rajeev Suri, the former CEO of Inmarsat and Nokia, has been appointed the new board chairman of M-KOPA, a fintech company focused on emerging markets. He will officially resume his duties on December 1, 2024.

    Mr Suri is recognised as a leading figure in technology and telecommunications, bringing extensive experience to M-KOPA. He also serves as a board director for Singtel, a major Singaporean telecom company, and as chairman of Digicel, a telecom provider in Jamaica.

    This strategic appointment aligns with M-KOPA’s mission to expand its footprint in emerging regions. The company is known for providing affordable smartphones and digital financial services to underserved consumers.

    Read also: MTN unveils new executives in Uganda

    M-KOPA reports that it has disbursed over $1.5 billion in credits to more than 5 million customers across five African countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda.

    Rajeev Suri’s appointment will drive expansion: M-KOPA CEO

    Jesse Moore, CEO and co-founder of M-KOPA, described the appointment of Mr Suri as a key executive to bolster the company’s growth across Africa. Mr Moore praised Suri’s proven track record in leading global business expansions, expressing confidence that he will replicate similar success at M-KOPA.

    “As we enter this next phase of growth for the business, we are thrilled to welcome Rajeev to the board,” said Jesse Moore, CEO and co-founder of M-KOPA. “It will be really helpful to have someone with his demonstrated ability to lead global businesses through times of fast expansion.”

    Mr Moore’s remarks align with M-KOPA’s goals of expanding its operations and services throughout the continent to maintain its position as the industry leader.

    In his new position, Suri will collaborate with the leadership team, providing strategies and insights aimed at reinventing M-KOPA’s offerings.

    His expertise is expected to play a crucial role as M-KOPA seeks new partnerships and improves its AI-powered credit analytics platform to better serve underbanked communities.

    Read also: David Steward: The tech entrepreneur who became the richest black person in America

    Rajeev Suri’s remarks 

    Mr Suri said M-KOPA wass a leading fintech using AI tonsillectomy critical challenges.

    “M-KOPA represents one of the most exciting fintech propositions, not only in Africa but globally. Their use of leading-edge technologies and AI to solve the critical challenge of digital and financial inclusion is compelling and has the potential to change the way we think about consumers in emerging markets,” the new executive said.

    The company’s pay-as-you-go smartphone financing concept is based on giving low-income customers access to smart devices.

    M-KOPA provides digital loans, affordable data subscriptions, insurance services through AI-driven data analytics to create long-term financial relationships with clients.

    Mr Suri succeeds Elizabeth Littlefield, who will continue as an independent board director and chair of the ESG and Impact Committee.

    Under Me Suri’s leadership, the business, which raised $250 million in 2023 to support its growth in its major countries, intends to look for chances to extend its reach into new areas.

    However, the company faces a significant challenge, as the Kenyan Tax Appeals Tribunal recently ruled that M-KOPA must pay millions in back taxes.

  • Nokia, Orange achieve 800 Gbps transmission milestone

    Nokia, Orange achieve 800 Gbps transmission milestone

    In a groundbreaking collaboration, Nokia and Orange have accomplished a remarkable feat by completing a record 800Gbps per wavelength transmission over the esteemed 6,600km Dunant transatlantic route. 

    This technological breakthrough not only underscores the prowess of Nokia’s cutting-edge solutions but also signifies Orange’s commitment to elevating its optical network capacity to support advanced transport services globally.

    Read also: Nokia, NTT Docomo collaborate on Open RAN 5G network

    Innovation with Nokia’s 6th-Generation Super-Coherent Photonic Service Engine (PSE-6)

    The success of this trial can be attributed to the utilization of Nokia’s 6th-generation super-coherent Photonic Service Engine (PSE-6), seamlessly integrated into the Nokia 1830 Photonic Services Interconnect – Modular (PSI-M). James Watt, Head of the Optical Networks Division at Nokia, highlighted the imperative role of innovation in optical networks, emphasizing that the PSE-6 super-coherent optics not only deliver massive network scale and service reach but also ensure sustainable growth with optimal power efficiency.

    The Orange Dunant transatlantic subsea cable, celebrated for its hybrid terrestrial and subsea connectivity solution catering to wholesale customers, served as the testing ground for this groundbreaking achievement. The trial, conducted between the cable landing stations at Virginia Beach, U.S.A., and St Hilaire de Riez, France, exhibited error-free performance at an astounding 800Gbps. This substantial leap from the 400G milestone achieved in 2021 underscores the continuous advancements in optical transmission technology.

    Nokia, UNICEF provide digital education to Senegalese children

    Global Impact: Extending Connectivity Beyond the Atlantic

    Beyond the transatlantic route, the collaborative efforts of Nokia and Orange showcased a remarkable 700Gbps over a total link distance of 7,345km from Virginia Beach to Paris. This substantial increase from 300G in 2021 demonstrates Orange’s dedication to supporting expanded network scale and high-bandwidth services globally. Jean-Louis Le Roux, Vice President International Networks at Orange, emphasized the significance of Nokia’s latest generation of super-coherent optics in subsea applications, positioning it as a crucial enabler for Orange’s ongoing global network upgrades.

    The successful collaboration between Nokia and Orange not only marks a significant technological milestone but also places both entities at the forefront of driving innovation in optical networks. The trial’s success highlights the shared commitment to achieving higher spectral efficiency, sustainability, and operational deployment flexibility. In an era where data demands continue to surge, these advancements play a pivotal role in staying ahead of the curve and meeting the evolving needs of telecommunications networks worldwide. This achievement stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in shaping the future of global connectivity.

  • Nokia, NTT Docomo collaborate on Open RAN 5G network

    Nokia, NTT Docomo collaborate on Open RAN 5G network

    Nokia, a leading provider of network equipment and software, has announced that it is deploying its Open RAN (O-RAN)-compliant 5G AirScale baseband solution in the commercial network of NTT Docomo, Japan’s largest mobile operator. The collaboration aims to enable Docomo to pursue a “multi-supplier strategy” and connect with Open Radio Units (ORUs) of other vendors.

    Read also: Experts highlight need for 5G deployment in Africa

    What is O-RAN and why is it important?

    O-RAN is an open and collaborative initiative that aims to create a more flexible, scalable and innovative mobile network architecture. O-RAN allows different vendors to provide their own hardware and software for the radio access network (RAN), which is the part of the network that connects mobile devices to the core network. This way, operators can choose the best combination of technologies and features for their needs, while reducing costs and complexity.

    O-RAN also supports the development of new services and applications that require high performance, low latency and massive connectivity, such as 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT) and cloud computing. O-RAN enables operators to leverage the potential of 5G, which promises to deliver “high speed/high capacity”, “ultra low-latency” and “massive device connectivity”.

    What are Nokia’s AirScale products?

    Nokia’s AirScale products are a portfolio of radio access solutions that cover baseband, remote radio heads (RRHs) and massive MIMO antennas. The products are powered by Nokia’s ReefShark System-on-Chip (SoC) technology, which delivers high performance, energy efficiency and reliability.

    The AirScale products include the AirScale System Module (ASM), which simplifies 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G deployments, streamlines multi-band sites and powers multi-site baseband hotels; the AirScale Baseband plug-in cards (BPCs), which boost the capacity of the ASM by up to eight times compared to previous generations. The BPCs also reduce power consumption by up to 75 percent. The product also includes the AirScale Massive MIMO antennas (AMAs), which support both fragmented spectrum and network sharing cases. The AMAs are also space- and energy-efficient, enabling compact site solutions.

    How does Nokia’s O-RAN solution work with NTT Docomo?

    Nokia’s O-RAN solution consists of two main components: the O-RU software platform from Nokia Single RAN (NR) software suite, which enables interoperability between different ORUs from various vendors; and the O-RU hardware from Nokia or other partners.

    The O-RU software platform supports both 5G New Radio (NR) and non-standalone (NSA) modes, as well as multi-mode (2G/3G/4G/5G) and multi-band operations. The platform also supports the latest fronthaul interfaces (eCPRI) on a single baseband platform, simplifying the network design and lowering costs.

    The O-RU hardware from Nokia or other partners can be either plug-in cards or RRHs. The plug-in cards are similar to BPCs but have additional features such as AI acceleration or edge computing capabilities. The RRHs are similar to AMAs but have additional features such as beamforming or beam tracking capabilities.

    By using Nokia’s O-RAN solution in combination with NTT Docomo’s existing RAN infrastructure, Docomo can benefit from a more flexible network architecture that allows Docomo to choose from a variety of ORUs from different vendors according to its business needs. Other features include a more efficient network operation that reduces power consumption by up to 75 percent compared to previous generations; and a more innovative network service that supports new use cases such as AI/ML applications or cloud-based services.

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    What are the future plans for Nokia-O-RU collaboration?

    Nokia has been working closely with NTT Docomo since 2019 to develop its O-RAN solution for Japan. In June 2021, Nokia announced that it had successfully deployed its first commercial O-RAN solution in Japan at NTT Docomo’s Tokyo office. In September 2021, Nokia announced that it had expanded its O-RAN solution deployment in Japan at NTT Docomo’s Osaka office.

    Nokia plans to continue its collaboration with NTT Docomo in Japan as well as in other markets around the world. Nokia aims to help operators achieve their vision of delivering open networks that can meet the evolving demands of customers and society.

  • Nokia to launch AI-powered Open Innovation Lab in Dubai

    Nokia to launch AI-powered Open Innovation Lab in Dubai

    Nokia announced on Monday that it will launch an Open Innovation Lab in Dubai, UAE, to drive regional innovation and accelerate the adoption of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for network automation and optimization in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. 

    The initiative will also increase the regional focus of Nokia’s established global strategic collaborations with Dell Technologies and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE).

    The lab will focus on driving further innovation in the Cloud RAN space with Nokia’s technology partners, such as Dell and HPE, as well as working with market-leading hyperscalers and other ecosystem players. The Nokia anyRAN approach helps evolve Cloud RAN towards a solution, which will work alongside purpose-built RAN with feature performance consistency. This approach brings the flexibility of choice of technology suppliers and operating environments, meeting the expectations of operators and enterprises for openness and efficiency.

    Read also: Nokia announces milestone in collaboration with Vodafone 

    Private wireless and industrial networks

    The second area of focus will be on private wireless and industrial networks. The lab will showcase innovative Industry 4.0 use cases and industrial edge applications on Nokia’s market-leading MX Industrial Edge (MXIE) platform to help enterprises accelerate their transition to Industry 4.0 in the region.

    The third area of focus will be on network intelligence. Nokia aims to accelerate the adoption of AI/ML solutions for network automation and optimization. The Nokia MantaRay solution portfolio for intelligent network management and automation will be showcased and used in this lab.

    Partners’ comments

    Mikko Lavanti, Senior Vice President, Mobile Networks at Nokia, MEA, said: “We are excited to launch our Open Innovation Lab in MEA, reaffirming our commitment to drive innovation with our partners in key future technology areas, including Dell and HPE. This collaboration will accelerate the adoption of new technologies in our region. We can help both operators and enterprises enhance network efficiency and performance as well as unlock new monetization opportunities.”

    Tibor Fabry-Asztalos, Senior Vice President, Product Development Engineering, Telecom Systems Business, Dell Technologies, said: “The future of the telecommunications industry is open, backed by an ecosystem of partners collaborating to help network operators digitally transform and quickly bring innovative and revenue-generating solutions to market. Nokia’s Cloud RAN capabilities, combined with Dell’s cloud-native infrastructure and software in the new Open Innovation Lab, will accelerate the adoption and performance of open network architectures and create new opportunities for network automation and efficiency.

    Safaricom and Nokia collaborate on Africa’s first 5G slicing trial

    What is Cloud RAN?

    Cloud RAN is a term that refers to the separation of the radio access network (RAN) functions from the hardware platform and the virtualization of the RAN software using cloud technologies. Cloud RAN enables more flexibility, scalability, and efficiency in deploying and managing RAN networks, as well as opening up new possibilities for innovation and collaboration. Cloud RAN can be implemented in different ways, depending on the location and type of the compute platform, the network architecture, and the level of openness and disaggregation. Some of the benefits of Cloud RAN include:

    Reduced capital and operational costs by using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and cloud-native software

    Improved network performance and quality by optimizing resource allocation and load balancing

    Enhanced service delivery and user experience by enabling faster deployment and upgrade of RAN features and applications

    Increased network agility and innovation by leveraging cloud-native tools and processes, as well as open interfaces and ecosystems

    Some examples of Cloud RAN solutions are:

    Ericsson Cloud RAN, which is a cloud-native software solution that handles compute functionality in the RAN. It supports anyRAN, which is an approach that allows cloud RAN to work alongside purpose-built RAN with feature performance consistency.

    Nokia AirScale Cloud RAN, which is a cloud-native solution that disaggregates RAN hardware and software. It supports different deployment scenarios, such as centralized, distributed, or hybrid cloud RAN, as well as open interfaces and platforms.

  • Nokia announces milestone in collaboration with Vodafone 

    Nokia announces milestone in collaboration with Vodafone 

    Nokia, a leading provider of cutting-edge telecommunications solutions, has announced its latest milestone in collaboration with Vodafone in Europe.

    The deployment of Nokia’s Converged Charging (NCC) software is set to revolutionize Vodafone’s legacy charging system and drive the operator’s transition towards 5G monetization. This strategic move is expected to accelerate Vodafone’s digital transformation and boost operational efficiencies across its network.

    The Converged Charging software, operating as a containerized network function within a 5G standalone environment, will empower Vodafone to capitalize on the vast array of revenue streams offered by 5G services. With the advent of network slicing and flexible product offerings, Vodafone will be able to explore innovative use cases and business models that were previously unattainable.

    Read also: Nokia migrates cloud infrastructure, container operations to Red Hat

    Testimony from Nokia’s Senior Vice President

    Hamdy Farid, Senior Vice President of Business Applications at Nokia, expressed excitement about the collaboration with Vodafone, stating, “As advanced 5G services start to become more widespread, our Converged Charging solution is very well-placed to help communication service providers and enterprises drive innovative 5G use cases and business models, and deliver significant operating efficiency improvements.” This reaffirms Nokia’s commitment to empowering service providers with the tools needed to thrive in the era of 5G connectivity.

    Embracing Next-Generation Charging Methods

    The deployment of Nokia’s Converged Charging software across multiple European markets, including the UK and Italy, marks a pivotal shift towards next-generation charging methods standardized across Vodafone networks. With real-time rating and charging capabilities, this deployment represents a full migration from legacy charging to cutting-edge, 5G-ready methods, ushering in a new era of efficiency and innovation.

    Nokia’s NCC offers communication service providers like Vodafone the ability to rapidly create and launch innovative new services into the market with its intuitive, drag-and-drop functionality. The solution is highly configurable, allowing Vodafone to tailor it to the unique requirements of consumers, enterprises, and emerging business models. This flexibility positions Vodafone to address the diverse needs of its customer base and cater to specific industry demands.

    Nokia, UNICEF provide digital education to Senegalese children

    Alberto Ripepi’s Vision for 5G Services

    Alberto Ripepi, Chief Network Officer of Vodafone, highlighted the game-changing potential of 5G in enabling new services and novel ways of charging for them. “By leveraging the scale of our pan-European and African networks, we can help customers manage factory equipment, open developer marketplaces using our APIs, and enable enterprises to offer bespoke products to their own customers,” said Ripepi. This indicates Vodafone’s commitment to fostering a thriving 5G ecosystem that empowers businesses and consumers alike.

    Nokia’s deployment of the Converged Charging software for Vodafone represents a significant step forward in 5G monetization and digital transformation. As Vodafone harnesses the power of 5G services, it will be better equipped to explore new revenue streams, embrace cutting-edge charging methods, and provide tailored solutions to its diverse customer base. This partnership between Nokia and Vodafone promises a future of innovation and growth in the telecommunications industry.

  • Nokia migrates cloud infrastructure, container operations to Red Hat

    Nokia migrates cloud infrastructure, container operations to Red Hat

    Nokia, a major player in the technology industry, has announced a new agreement with Red Hat that will see the Finnish tech giant shift its cloud infrastructure and container operations to Red Hat.

    Under this partnership, which has also resulted in the transfer of certain Nokia employees to Red Hat, the two companies will work together to integrate the Red Hat OpenStack Platform and Red Hat OpenShift with Nokia’s core network applications. This implies that IBM-owned open-source producer Red Hat will be Nokia’s principal reference platform for developing, testing, and delivering key network applications.

    According to Nokia, “This agreement shows the company’s commitment to its portfolio rebalancing efforts.” Managing Director of Nokia’s Core Networks, Cloud, and Network Services Fran Heeran. Red Hat is a world leader in open-source infrastructure technologies, so combining its cloud architecture with our best-in-class core network applications will enable us to better serve our clients.

    As part of the partnership, Nokia and Red Hat will maintain and enhance current Nokia Container Services (NCS) and Nokia CloudBand Infrastructure Software (CBIS) clients while also establishing a roadmap for customers to move to Red Hat’s platforms over time. In addition, Nokia will use Red Hat’s infrastructure platforms to accelerate the development and testing of Nokia’s vast core network portfolio.

    Read also: Nokia, UNICEF provide digital education to Senegalese children

    Several Nokia cloud infrastructure teams are moving to Red Hat

    Nokia’s direct customer support will continue, and Red Hat will provide Nokia with upgrades, maintenance, and support for its NCS and CBIS. Red Hat and Nokia will facilitate a seamless migration to Red Hat’s platforms for clients as their cloud ambitions develop. In addition, several Nokia cloud infrastructure teams are moving to Red Hat to continue serving Nokia’s client base with roadmap evolution, deployment services, and support.

    As service providers investigate 5G’s potential in areas like the core network, open RAN, multi-access edge computing (MEC), and application modernization, they’ll need more leeway in terms of where and how they deploy apps and services. Therefore, it is essential that all parts of the ecosystem work together seamlessly. 

    Customers of Nokia’s cloud infrastructure platform will have access to Red Hat’s game-changing 4G and 5G technologies and use cases, as well as the complete service and support of Red Hat’s open source ecosystem.

    Safaricom and Nokia collaborate on Africa’s first 5G slicing trial

    Red Hat realizes the explosive effect of 5G

    Customers will be able to convert their core network infrastructure and applications to be completely cloud-native and future-ready with service and support from Red Hat as the industry races to the edge by combining Nokia’s 5G experience with Red Hat’s open hybrid cloud vision. 

    According to Darrell Jordan-Smith, Senior Vice President, Telecommunications, Media and Entertainment & Edge, at Red Hat said “With the most exciting innovations yet to come, “Red Hat realises the explosive effect of 5G – not simply for service providers, but across all sectors. 

    By enabling the creation of cutting-edge apps, services, and use cases, 5G is reshaping the way companies and consumers connect. Service providers may take advantage of the 5G potential by installing their 5G networks utilising the Red Hat OpenStack Platform and Red Hat OpenShift, which Nokia is providing as part of this alliance”.

  • Nokia, UNICEF provide digital education to Senegalese children

    Nokia, UNICEF provide digital education to Senegalese children

    Nokia, a major manufacturer of mobile devices and telecom infrastructures has partnered with UNICEF to provide more accessible digital education and training in some regions of Senegal, West Africa, in an effort to reduce the digital gap.

    The company tweeted that Nicole Robertson, Vice President of Environmental, Social, and Governance, praised this collaboration. “I am delighted to announce Nokia’s partnership with UNICEF to advance digital skills and coding for children and young people in Senegal.”

    Nokia helps close the digital divide by connecting underprivileged populations. Connectivity and digital skills increase employment, education, healthcare, and digital economy involvement.

    Nokia and UNICEF planned to include instructors and students in the desolate areas, with over 100 teachers and over 10,000 middle school pupils.

    The term “digital divide” is used to describe the gap between those who have access to digital experiences and those who do not, such as technology, the internet, etc.

    Digital illiteracy, or the inability to use and maximize digital technology to its fullest potential, and a lack of infrastructure are two common causes of the digital divide.

    Read also: Safaricom and Nokia collaborate on Africa’s first 5G slicing trial

    Nokia and UNICEF’s digital divide solution

    To achieve their objective of providing children and teachers in the remote area of Senegal with access to the Internet and digital education, Nokia and UNICEF have developed a comprehensive plan with the provision of specialized digital training, internet upgrades, and coding training.

    According to Silvia Danailov, UNICEF Representative in Senegal, UNICEF protects children and youth from the digital revolution. Digital technology should assist all children in the classroom and at home, regardless of their background.

    “This catalytic relationship with Nokia is a big step in improving Senegal’s children’s education through innovative technology.”

    It’s remarkable how technology is changing the world. Tech is humanity’s biggest potential in the modern age. Coding will also be incorporated into UNICEF Finland and UNICEF Senegal’s training.

    15 Most In-Demand Tech Skills In 2023

    More on UNICEF and Nokia

    UNICEF, officially the United Nations Children’s Fund, is a UN agency that provides humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. With a presence in 192 countries and territories, the agency is one of the most well-known social welfare organizations. UNICEF provides vaccines, illness prevention, HIV treatment for children and mothers, nutrition, sanitation, education, and disaster assistance.

    Nokia, a Finnish multinational telecommunications, information technology, and consumer electronics company, was founded in 1865. Nokia’s headquarters are in Espoo, Finland, in the larger Helsinki metropolitan area, but its roots are in Tampere, Pirkanmaa.
    Over the past 150 years, the firm has worked in many fields. Since the 1990s, it has focused on large-scale telecommunications infrastructure, technology development, and licensing. It was founded as a pulp mill and has long been associated with rubber and cables. Nokia helped design the GSM, 3G, and LTE mobile phone standards. Nokia sold the most mobile phones and smartphones worldwide for a decade, starting in 1998.

  • Safaricom and Nokia collaborate on Africa’s first 5G slicing trial

    Safaricom and Nokia collaborate on Africa’s first 5G slicing trial

    Nokia Kenya said that 4G and 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) network slicing had been tested and worked well in Kenya. Safaricom, the largest telecom company in Kenya, is partnering with Nokia in this trial. 

    This news comes after Nokia and Safaricom said in March 2018 that they were working to bring the first 5G commercial services to East Africa. Safaricom users in Kisumu and the Western Province of Kenya can now access ultra-fast Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services thanks to Nokia’s 5G Single Radio Access Network (SRAN) technology and 5G FastMile gateways.

    The pilot was done on Safaricom’s real business network and involved testing hardware from different vendors. Nokia claimed to offer customer-premises equipment, network management software tools, and base stations (CPE).

    According to Nokia, the pilot project is the first time 4G and 5G network slicing was successfully tested in Africa. The live network trial was conducted in Kenya’s Western Region.

    Kenyans may now purchase the Nokia 8.3 5G for Ksh 69,000.

    With the new project, Safaricom can manage new enterprise network services like application slicing and fast-lane internet access. Nokia also offers both public and private application clouds and secure FWA slice access to business sites.

    Read: Nigerians now have access to MTN 5G across 190 sites

    Background information on 5G and network slicing:

    Using the network slicing method, many different logical and virtual networks can be made from a single multi-domain infrastructure. The phrase is most frequently used when discussing 5G networks, partly because this capability is demanded by the 5G standard, whereas it was not and could not be supported by the 4G and earlier generations of cellular communication services.

    Operators can break a network into several virtual slices using network slicing, each of which can be optimized for a different target application or service. Different priorities, routing, levels of network performance, and security capabilities can then be used to provide services to each network slice’s end users.

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    Slices have KPIs that are used to ensure service is being provided and can be updated and delivered in just a few minutes.

    These many services are supported by network slicing in 5G, making it possible to move resources from one virtual network slice to another efficiently. The applications that 5G enables or improves require more connections, more bandwidth, and lower latency than what was possible with earlier generations.

    Nokia’s 4G/5G slicing solution supports LTE, 5G NSA, and 5G SA technologies with slice service continuity between the networks, and it won a major award from GTI 2021 in the category of “Innovative Breakthrough in Mobile Technology.” All LTE and 5G devices can now use slicing services.

    “We are proud to have hosted Africa’s first successful pilot of 4G/5G FWA slicing on our network, and we look forward to tailoring our service offerings to individual customers and industries to meet their needs for high-speed connectivity precisely and without unnecessary cost,” said James Maitai, Network Director at Safaricom. The secret to this accomplishment has been Nokia’s experience, and as our company grows, we expect to achieve many more strategic victories in this field.

    “It is fantastic to have successfully completed this pilot with Safaricom, which is a big step forward in providing Safaricom with cutting-edge connectivity,” said Ramy Hashem, Head of the Safaricom Customer Team at Nokia. Understanding the new business opportunities enabled by cutting-edge technology early on is invaluable.

    Nokia was the first company to offer a solution for slicing, and we’re excited to work with Safaricom to keep providing its customers with top-notch 4G and 5G network slicing services.