Vodafone has paired with Nokia to trial IoT applications on Amazon Web Services (AWS)

The telco noted that the trial was successful, and allowed it to run key Internet of Things (IoT) voice and data network applications, operating on Nokia's core systems.

Vodafone worked with Nokia and AWS to deploy a proof of concept of Nokia’s mobile data core and voice core on AWS cloud infrastructure in Frankfurt, Germany.

This saw Vodafone integrate with network components in Vodafone data centers across several European countries.

The trial included support for IoT services on Nokia’s IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) for voice applications such as emergency calling in vehicles and elevators, and on Nokia’s Packet Core for data services such as smart metering for utilities.

Both the voice and packet core's cloud-native network functions were hosted on AWS cloud infrastructure.

Although this trial was the first phase, the next phase of tests will address security and sovereignty ahead of commercial trials later this year, noted Vodafone.

“Our multi-cloud strategy gives Vodafone greater agility to capitalize on advances in technology like the rise of Agentic AI to enhance the customer experience. By validating AWS as an effective infrastructure option for network functions, we can introduce services faster, leaving more time for experimentation and innovation," said Marco Zangani, director of network strategy and architecture, Vodafone.

The trial itself saw Vodafone, Nokia, and AWS assess lifecycle management, integration with Vodafone’s existing systems, and operational performance.

Beyond this, the trio also evaluated costs and potential new business opportunities enabled by using AWS public cloud for Vodafone’s global managed IoT connectivity platform.

“This successful trial with Vodafone and AWS demonstrates how our voice (IMS) and data (mobile core) solutions can leverage public cloud infrastructure to deliver carrier-grade performance while enabling greater operational flexibility. The result is a more scalable service, to more customers, at times when it’s needed the most," said Kal De, SVP, core networks, at Nokia.

“Working with Vodafone and Nokia on this trial demonstrates AWS commitment to providing the secure, scalable, and high-performance infrastructure that telcos need to run their most critical network workloads in the cloud,” added Fabio Cerone, managing director in the EMEA telco business unit of AWS. “This solution shows how telcos can redefine their operating models through full automation and elasticity at scale.”