Nokia and NTT DATA Expand Partnership to Drive Private 5G Deployment

The collaboration between Nokia and NTT DATA has taken another significant step forward as the companies expand their global strategic partnership to accelerate Private 5G deployment across key sectors such as cities, ports, and airports. This robust partnership has already demonstrated its transformative capability by changing Brownsville from one of the “worst-connected cities” into one of the most connected. Leveraging Private 5G technology, the partnership aims to address core markets in North America, Europe, and the APAC region. Utilizing successful implementations at Fraport AG and Cologne Bonn airport, the partners plan to spearhead digital transformations across these pivotal sectors. The first North American project involves deploying a carrier-grade Private 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) in Brownsville, Texas. Enabled by Nokia’s advanced 5G radio solutions and NTT DATA’s innovative Network-as-a-Service platform, this project has already enhanced the city’s connectivity, which is crucial for public safety and critical operations.

Revolutionizing Connectivity in Brownsville

The implementation of Private 5G infrastructure in Brownsville addresses the city’s immediate need for seamless and robust connectivity. This network is set to facilitate the management and operation of applications that significantly contribute to public safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability. By positioning Brownsville as a leader in smart city innovation, the initiative also prepares the city for future demands in technology and connectivity. The partnership between Nokia and NTT DATA is not merely local but has global ambitions, aiming to create more connected urban environments. This move supports digital transformation across various sectors, including transportation and emergency response. NTT DATA’s partner ecosystem plays a pivotal role in developing and managing relevant applications and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Nokia’s "anyRAN for Enterprise" framework provides enterprises with a multitude of integration options to implement best-in-class solutions, contributing to the urban advancement of Brownsville.

Nokia’s extensive experience in deploying large-scale networks, combined with NTT DATA’s expertise in Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) integration, ensures a secure and high-performance Private 5G network. The significant leap in connectivity introduced by this partnership enhances public services and paves the way for the adoption of emerging technologies. Previous successful deployments, such as those at Cologne Bonn Airport and Fraport AG, have demonstrated improvements in operational efficiency and enabled real-time, data-driven decision-making processes. These examples underline the enormous potential lying in such effective partnerships to revolutionize connectivity in smart cities worldwide.

Global Ambitions and Technological Excellence

Globally, the Nokia and NTT DATA partnership aims to replicate its success in Brownsville by driving Private 5G deployment across major urban centers, ports, and airports. The Private 5G network not only promises enhanced connectivity but also supports digital transformation across a range of sectors. The collaboration focuses on creating smart urban environments equipped with state-of-the-art digital infrastructure. NTT DATA’s partner ecosystem is crucial for the development and management of the essential applications and infrastructure. Nokia’s versatile "anyRAN for Enterprise" framework offers multiple integration options, ensuring enterprises can integrate the best solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Leveraging their respective strengths, Nokia and NTT DATA offer innovative applications that incorporate AI, IoT, edge computing, and real-time analytics to maximize operational efficiency. This enhanced connectivity is indispensable for critical operations, public safety, and the overall quality of urban life. Real-time analytics support data-driven decision-making, further enhancing operational efficiency. Previous implementations, such as those at Cologne Bonn Airport and Fraport AG, have proven to be highly effective in improving operational efficiency and enabling real-time data-driven decisions.

Jorge Cardenas, the CIO of Brownsville, emphasized the critical role that the Private 5G network will play in the city’s growth as a tech hub. The enhanced connectivity will foster the adoption of emerging technologies and provide faster connectivity. Similarly, Shahid Ahmed, the Executive Vice President of Edge Services at NTT DATA, highlighted the unprecedented demand for flexible and high-performance private networks. According to him, the partnership is well-positioned to deliver scalable, secure, and high-speed connectivity that will meet these growing demands. Mark Atkinson, Head of RAN at Nokia, expressed pride in collaborating with NTT DATA on delivering network solutions that not only enhance public services but also accelerate digital transformation in smart cities and airports.

Conclusion

Nokia and NTT DATA have bolstered their global strategic partnership to accelerate the deployment of Private 5G in critical sectors such as cities, ports, and airports. This strengthened collaboration has already proven transformative, turning Brownsville from one of the least connected cities into one of the most connected. By leveraging Private 5G technology, the partnership aims to enhance connectivity in key markets across North America, Europe, and the APAC region. The successful implementations at Fraport AG and Cologne Bonn Airport serve as blueprints for digitally transforming these essential sectors. In their first North American project, the team is deploying a carrier-grade Private 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) in Brownsville, Texas. Leveraging Nokia’s sophisticated 5G radio solutions and NTT DATA’s innovative Network-as-a-Service platform, this project has significantly improved the city’s connectivity, aiding public safety and critical operations. This initiative marks a major step towards achieving comprehensive digital transformation in vital areas.

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