Under the terms of the agreement, Nokia and Ericsson will provide a package of products and services to deliver 5G, including antennas and associated professional services.
“For Orange, the deployment of 5G represents a huge challenge and is one of the main priorities of our Engage 2025 strategic plan,” said Fabienne Dulac (pictured), deputy chief executive officer and CEO of Orange France. “We are delighted to be pursuing our partnerships with both Nokia and Ericsson, two key long-term partners, in order to develop a powerful and innovative 5G network. 5G will enable the development of new use-cases and new services and will provide an enriched experience for our customers - both in the consumer and business segments. Through these agreements, Orange reaffirms its ambition to being network leader.”
For Nokia’s part it will focus on the West and South-East regions of France in areas where the company already supplies 2G, 3G and 4G on the Radio Access Network (RAN). For its 5G deployment Nokia will offer a range of products and services from its end-to-end 5G portfolio, including Single Radio Access Network (SRAN) technology, advanced automation tools, a network management solution and associated professional services. It will also introduce 5G New Radio (5G NR)-based AirScale hardware, and software for the new 5G frequency bands.
“Nokia is thrilled to bring 5G to France with Orange, a key European operator,” said Tommi Uitto, president of mobile networks at Nokia. “Nokia has exactly the right technology for this project, given our excellence in SRAN, 5G and end-to-end network infrastructure leadership. This deal builds on our long-standing trusted relationship with Orange and will deliver a superior experience for businesses and consumers alike."
In turn Ericsson will focus on the Ile de France, North-East and South-West regions in locations where it already supplies 2G, 3G and 4G on the RAN. For its part of Orange’s network, Ericsson will deploy 5G RAN products and solutions from its Radio System portfolio. The Ericsson Radio System products and solutions also improves the carbon footprint through better energy efficiency.
“In addition to incredible new mobile broadband experiences for mobile customers, 5G is set to transform business, industry and society across France,” added Arun Bansal, president Europe and Latin America, Ericsson. “We will work in close partnership with Orange France to make this a reality and bring the benefits of 5G to its customers. Today's milestone in France is also significant to Ericsson’s engagement with Orange, a major worldwide partner.”
