- Nokia partners with EOLO to deploy Europe’s first 5G standalone mmWave network, enhancing connectivity in Italy.
- The network will provide ultra-fast broadband and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) to underserved areas, bridging the digital divide.
What happened: Nokia and EOLO to deliver Italy’s first 5G mmWave network
Nokia has entered a four-year partnership with EOLO, Italy’s first B Corp in the telecoms sector, to deploy Europe’s first 5G standalone mmWave Radio Access Network. The deal sees Nokia provide a range of advanced equipment from its 5G AirScale portfolio, including next-gen AirScale baseband solutions, Massive MIMO radios, and Shikra mmWave radios. Powered by Nokia’s ReefShark System-on-Chip technology, the mmWave solution will enable ultra-fast wireless broadband and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
EOLO plans to extend FWA connectivity up to 1 Gbps to the entire Italian market, bridging the digital divide and offering improved experiences to retail, business, and wholesale customers. Both companies aim to improve 5G coverage in Italy, especially in regions where traditional fibre installation is challenging. EOLO CEO Guido Garrone expressed excitement about the partnership’s potential to enhance connectivity and improve services across Italy.
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Why it is important
This partnership between Nokia and EOLO is crucial for advancing 5G connectivity in Italy, particularly in underserved areas. By deploying Europe’s first 5G standalone mmWave network, the collaboration addresses key challenges in providing high-speed internet to rural and remote regions, where traditional wired infrastructure is costly or impractical. The mmWave technology will enable ultra-fast wireless broadband and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), offering speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
For EOLO, this project represents a significant step in its mission to bridge Italy’s digital divide and improve internet access across the country. The partnership also showcases how 5G technology can play a transformative role in supporting both urban and rural communities, driving economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life. Nokia’s advanced 5G AirScale and ReefShark technology ensure reliable, energy-efficient solutions that will deliver consistent, high-quality connectivity. Ultimately, this network expansion will not only improve digital experiences for businesses and consumers but also contribute to Italy’s broader digital infrastructure development.
