- Nokia will deploy its Cloud RAN, AirScale RAN portfolio, and AI-powered management tools to enhance Telefónica Germany’s network.
- The five-year deal positions Telefónica Germany to achieve network automation level 4 and improve coverage, efficiency, and customer experience.
What happened: Nokia modernises Telefónica Germany’s 5G network
Nokia and Telefónica Germany have signed a five-year extension to their partnership to modernise the operator’s nationwide radio access network (RAN) until 2030. The contract includes deployment of Nokia’s Cloud RAN solutions, which are designed to support Telefónica’s goals for rapid 5G rollout and sustainable digitalisation across Germany.
As part of the agreement, Nokia will provide its AirScale RAN portfolio, including Habrok Massive MIMO radios for the n78 spectrum band, Pandion multi-band remote radio heads, and AirScale Radio small cell solutions. These technologies aim to enhance coverage, strengthen indoor connectivity, and improve energy efficiency and scalability.
Telefónica Germany will continue using Nokia’s AI-powered network management system, MantaRay NM, which manages both physical and virtualised network functions in core, radio, and transport networks. The solution supports Cloud RAN deployment and offers operations and maintenance capabilities that underpin AI-driven network orchestration.
Matthias Sauder, director networks at O2 Telefónica, said the extension reflects the companies’ shared commitment to delivering superior network experiences for customers.
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Why it’s important
The partnership enables Telefónica Germany to evolve its 5G network toward automation level 4, leveraging AI to optimise performance, reliability, and efficiency. By combining Cloud RAN and AI orchestration, Telefónica can respond to growing data demands while reducing operational costs and energy consumption.
Justin Hotard, president and CEO at Nokia, highlighted that the collaboration strengthens Telefónica’s competitiveness, particularly as AI-driven network solutions become central to the telecommunications industry.
The agreement also reinforces Germany’s push for advanced 5G connectivity and digital infrastructure modernisation. With AI-ready and energy-efficient RAN components, Telefónica Germany is positioned to deliver faster, more reliable services to both urban and rural areas, supporting broader digital transformation goals.
