Nokia Bell Labs Consulting has teamed up with NOW Telecom in the Philippines to design and implement a proof of concept for its first standalone 5G network.
This agreement between Nokia and NOW Telecom will result in the design and implementation of a state-of-the-art 5G network at various sites throughout Metro Manila.
Nokia will also be responsible for designing and executing the network planning, engineering, implementation, and support for NOW Telecom.
Nokia and NOW eye use cases
Nokia and NOW Telecom say that 5G will unlock a variety of use cases that will have a long-term positive effect on the economic development of the Philippines.
NOW Telecom expects to meet its customers’ increasing demand for dependable, secure digital services through Nokia’s design and planning, combined with its cutting-edge 5G network. NOW Telecom will also be able to utilize automation software for the efficient administration of its networks.
Mel Velasco Velarde, Chairman and CEO of NOW Telecom, says the operator will be able to offer Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) 5G services to its customers, which will provide people with faster, more reliable internet access and lower latency than ever before.
“A robust and reliable 5G network will play a crucial role in promoting social and financial mobility and spurring economic growth of the country,” said Velarde.
“The study by our Bell Labs Consulting will provide NOW Telecom with the required analysis, designs and plans for the phased implementation of the 5G SA network,” said Stefan Wilhelm, Head of Bell Labs Consulting at Nokia.
US government funding
The pilot 5G network – scheduled to begin in July of this year – will be funded by a grant from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).
Last month, NOW Telecom and the USTDA signed a letter of intent to follow through on a previous discussion to expand 5G in the Philippines. At the time, the USTDA said it would evaluate possible financing strategies and assess if there are donors, investors, or financial institutions that would be interested in funding the project.
The NOW Telecom/USTDA 5G project is part of US Vice-President Kamala Harris’ recent visit to the Philippines with the goal of boosting the US-Philippine alliance and strengthening bilateral ties.
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