Network vendor Nokia has secured a 5G RAN (Radio Access Network) deal with T-Mobile in the US to enhance the carrier's 5G coverage.
The multi-year extension, announced yesterday (April 24), will see Nokia support T-Mobile's 5G network coverage expansion plans.
Nokia will provide next-generation baseband and radio technologies for T-Mobile, including its AirScale RAN portfolio and Habrok Massive MIMO baseband products.
At present, T-Mobile's 5G network reaches more than 98 percent of the US population.
As part of the agreement, Nokia will also deploy its AI-powered MantaRay SON and AutoPilot. The vendor noted its deal with T-Mobile includes hardware, software, maintenance, and support services.
The deal is a significant one for Nokia given the setbacks it has faced in the US in recent years. In 2020, Verizon moved from Nokia to Samsung for its 5G rollout, while in 2023, AT&T announced a lucrative $14 billion Open RAN contract with Ericsson. Both deals were at the expense of the Finnish vendor.
“This new agreement strengthens our deep partnership with T-Mobile US, and extends their leadership in delivering next-generation connectivity across the US," said Justin Hotard, president and CEO of Nokia.
"By implementing Nokia’s latest AirScale RAN innovations, along with advanced virtualized and AI-RAN-based solutions, T-Mobile will unlock premium 5G performance for their customers. I’m excited to continue our partnership to shape the next chapter of mobile connectivity in the US.”
