The telecommunications landscape in Germany is witnessing a groundbreaking development as O2 Telefónica Germany, a subsidiary of Spain’s Telefónica, takes a decisive step to revolutionize its 5G Core network. This transformation is being executed through an integration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), one of the giants in cloud computing. Finalized at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, the multi-year agreement underscores AWS as the primary cloud provider for 5G network functions. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in O2 Telefónica’s journey, building upon the successful deployment of its 5G Standalone (SA) Core on AWS in July 2024. By leveraging AWS Outposts racks, O2 Telefónica plans to extend the 5G Core data plane within its data centers, thereby optimizing the management of network-intensive tasks.
As part of this strategic initiative, O2 Telefónica will begin deploying IMS voice services on AWS Graviton processors, signaling a shift towards fully cloud-integrated network operations. This move will enable the telecom operator to enhance service efficiency and scalability while providing advanced and seamless connectivity solutions to millions of users. The collaboration goes beyond mere infrastructure enhancement; it represents a deeper integration of cloud-native technologies into the core operations of telecommunications. This expansion is aimed at not just modernizing the infrastructure but also streamlining network operations through advanced data analysis and predictive insights using AWS analytics and machine learning tools like Amazon Athena and Amazon SageMaker.
Enabling Advanced Network Monitoring and Management
One of the standout features of this expansion is the comprehensive utilization of AWS’s suite of services, designed to monitor and manage O2 Telefónica’s 5G network. Key services such as Amazon CloudWatch, Amazon Managed Service for Prometheus, and Amazon Managed Grafana will provide real-time network monitoring and predictive maintenance capabilities. By adopting such advanced monitoring tools, O2 Telefónica aims to significantly reduce downtimes and enhance the user experience. Through Amazon SageMaker, machine learning is set to play a crucial role in predictive analytics, thereby enabling the telecommunications provider to anticipate network issues before they impact users.
This proactive approach to network management is pivotal in maintaining high levels of service reliability and quality. With AWS’s powerful analytics capabilities, O2 Telefónica can harness large volumes of data, transforming it into actionable insights. This will not only optimize network performance but will also enable the creation of bespoke solutions tailored to individual customer needs. By leveraging AWS’s robust cloud infrastructure, O2 Telefónica can scale its operations seamlessly, thus supporting its expanding subscriber base more effectively.
Strategic Collaborations for Future Expansion
In addition to its collaboration with AWS, O2 Telefónica Germany has forged a significant strategic partnership with Google Cloud, furthering its commitment to integrating cloud-native technologies within its 5G network. This partnership involves working closely with Nokia to incorporate more 5G functions such as Policy Control Functions into Google Cloud. This move is indicative of a broader strategy to diversify cloud partnerships, thereby enhancing the robustness and flexibility of the network. The partnership with Google Cloud builds on previous successful collaborations on mobile customer charging solutions, reflecting O2 Telefónica’s ongoing evolution towards a fully cloud-native operational model.
Moreover, this strategic alliance with Google Cloud aims to encapsulate a broader network modernization strategy. By integrating more 5G functions into Google Cloud, O2 Telefónica not only broadens its technological capabilities but also prepares its network for future advancements and scalability. This foresighted approach ensures that the telecom operator remains at the cutting edge of technological innovation, providing its customers with state-of-the-art connectivity solutions that are both reliable and future-proof.
Nationwide 5G Network Rollout
The journey towards a fully modernized network infrastructure took a significant leap with the launch of O2 Telefónica’s 5G Standalone (SA) network in Germany under the 5G Plus brand in October 2023. Prior to this, the company had been operating its 5G services via a Non-Standalone (NSA) architecture, partially relying on its existing LTE/4G core network. The transition to a Standalone network signifies a move towards more advanced and independent 5G network capabilities, providing users with enhanced speeds, lower latency, and improved overall performance. The 5G Plus network leverages various frequency bands including 700 MHz, 1.8 GHz, and 3.6 GHz, ensuring comprehensive coverage and robust network performance.
The ambitious rollout plan aims for full nationwide coverage by the end of 2025, reflecting O2 Telefónica’s commitment to providing ubiquitous, high-speed connectivity to its customers. This extensive deployment not only underscores the company’s dedication to technological advancement but also its strategic vision of becoming a leader in the telecommunications industry. By harnessing the power of cutting-edge technologies and strategic collaborations, O2 Telefónica is well-positioned to deliver superior 5G experiences to users across Germany.
Future Prospects and Technological Advancements
The telecommunications sector in Germany is experiencing a significant shift as O2 Telefónica Germany, a subsidiary of Spain’s Telefónica, makes a game-changing move to transform its 5G Core network. This evolution involves a strategic integration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), a leader in cloud computing. Finalized at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, the multi-year deal designates AWS as the primary cloud provider for 5G network functions. This partnership is a major milestone for O2 Telefónica, following the successful deployment of its 5G Standalone (SA) Core on AWS in July 2024. By using AWS Outposts racks, O2 Telefónica aims to extend the 5G Core data plane within its data centers, optimizing management of network-intensive tasks.
As part of this initiative, O2 Telefónica will begin deploying IMS voice services on AWS Graviton processors, indicating a shift towards fully cloud-integrated network operations. This development will enhance service efficiency and scalability while providing advanced, seamless connectivity to millions of users. Beyond infrastructure, this partnership enhances network operations using AWS analytics and machine learning tools like Amazon Athena and Amazon SageMaker, to modernize and streamline operations through advanced data analysis and predictive insights.