Portuguese telecom operator NOS has recently announced its readiness to deploy services on a fresh 5G standalone (SA) infrastructure, marking a significant milestone in the development and implementation of 5G technology. With this announcement, NOS aims to leverage the benefits of 5G SA, including ultra-low latency applications and network slicing, to enhance its services and provide an improved experience for its customers. This declaration is an important step forward in the 5G SA department within the telecom industry, illustrating the progress made by NOS and highlighting the potential of this advanced network technology.
Benefits of 5G SA include
One of the key benefits of 5G SA highlighted by Nos is the provision of ultra-low latency applications. With this technology, Nos can enable real-time, mission-critical services such as autonomous vehicles, remote surgery, and industrial automation. The reduced latency ensures faster response times, making it possible for critical applications to function seamlessly.
Another advantage of 5G SA is network slicing. This feature allows the network to be divided into multiple virtual networks, each tailored to specific requirements. It enables customization and efficient allocation of network resources, leading to enhanced service quality and improved user experience. Network slicing is particularly beneficial for industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation, where different applications have varying connectivity needs.
Challenges in 5G SA Implementation
Despite the progress made by operators like Nos, the implementation of 5G SA has been slower than anticipated. Recent data from Dell’Oro on the global mobile core market substantiates this ongoing challenge. Factors such as infrastructure costs, technological complexities, and regulatory hurdles have contributed to the slower rollout. However, the commitment of companies like Nos to deploy 5G SA infrastructure demonstrates determination to overcome these challenges and accelerate the adoption of this cutting-edge technology.
Decrease in 5G SA network launches
The number of 5G SA network launches in 2023 is projected to be significantly lower than the previous year. While there were 17 launches in 2022, this number is expected to decline to only seven in 2023. This decrease further solidifies the stagnancy in 5G SA implementation. Despite these figures, the industry remains hopeful that the pace of deployment will pick up in the coming years as operators overcome barriers and gain more experience in implementing 5G SA networks.
Collaboration with Nokia and Ericsson
Nos has collaborated with leading technology companies Nokia and Ericsson for the installation of its 5G data core and signaling. Nokia’s expertise in building robust and efficient networks and Ericsson’s experience in voice elements have brought valuable contributions to Nos’ 5G SA infrastructure. This collaboration ensures that Nos can leverage best-in-class technology and expertise to deliver stable and high-performance 5G services to its customers.
Anticipation of a Surge in Services with Ultra-Low Latency
Looking forward, Nos anticipates a surge in services that would benefit from the ultra-low latency provided by 5G SA. Industries such as gaming, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), and Internet of Things (IoT) applications can greatly benefit from the reduced latency in the network. With faster response times and improved reliability, these services can reach new heights of performance and innovation, opening up new possibilities for businesses and consumers alike.
Investment in 5G networks
NOS has demonstrated a strong commitment to the development of 5G networks by investing €420 million to date. With this significant investment, the company has been able to establish the most extensive 5G coverage in Portugal. Over 4,200 base stations have been deployed, ensuring that 93% of the total population has access to this advanced technology. Moving forward, NOS is committed to further investment, pledging an additional €110 million in the forthcoming years to expand coverage and improve the quality of its 5G services.
The recent announcement by Portuguese telecom operator Nos regarding its readiness to deploy services on a 5G SA infrastructure not only celebrates two years of 5G for the company but also underscores the significant strides made in the 5G SA industry. With its collaboration with Nokia and Ericsson, extensive 5G coverage, and investment in cutting-edge technology, Nos is well-positioned to deliver high-quality, ultra-low latency 5G services to its customers. The advancements in 5G SA, despite the challenges faced, show the commitment of operators like Nos to harness the full potential of this transformative technology and pave the way for a more connected and innovative future.