Nokia's 5G-ready AirScale Cloud RAN solution and controllers have been successfully deployed by Telenor Pakistan, further advancing its goal of digital transformation to optimise the end customer experience, improve total cost of ownership and quickly respond to emerging opportunities.
This marks the first deployment of the AirScale Base Station Controller (BSC) and AirScale Radio Network Controller (RNC) on AirFrame cloud infrastructure in Pakistan, and the first cloud-based BSC deployment in the Middle East and Africa region.
The Nokia solution reduces network complexity and operational cost, allowing service providers to provide innovative services more cost-effectively. The added agility that this software delivers will enhance efficiency and prepare them for 5G.
Chief Technology Officer Telenor Pakistan Khurrum Ashfaque said that Telenor Pakistan has always been a frontrunner in the growth of technology and innovation. With a global purpose of connecting people to what matters most, "we continue to empower the Pakistani society with our innovative digital initiatives."
"Together with Nokia's cloud solutions, we are well on our way to accelerating digital transformation. We will have added flexibility to scale the radio network resources based on demand as well as greater agility, which is critical as a significant percentage of our subscribers continue to use 2G and 3G services. With this deployment, we will be able to introduce new services and solutions faster, and quickly take advantage of emerging business opportunities," said Ashfaque.
Country Senior Officer for Pakistan at Nokia, Adil Munir Malik said that they are happy to be a crucial partner of Telenor Pakistan in its transformation journey. "Our award-winning AirScale Cloud RAN solution and controllers further the operator's digitalisation and prepare its networks for 5G. "Our cloud-based solutions will benefit Telenor Pakistan through virtualisation, bringing down operational cost and allowing them to scale quickly in line with market demands," Malik added.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has rolled out its draft framework for the public trials of Fifth Generation (5G) Wireless Networks, its demonstrate systems, and the related services in Pakistan.
The PTA was of the view that the fast-paced growths in mobile data traffic and rising consumer demand for a better mobile broadband experience have rendered the upcoming fifth generation of mobile technology as a need of the hour.
Prepared by Licensing Division of the PTA, the draft framework for 5G provides for use of radio spectrum on trial basis for non-commercial purposes.
It would enable execution of trials for innovative use of radio frequency spectrum and equipment/apparatus and academic purposes like radio concepts, scientific research, and new systems demonstrations.
However, according to the officials and telecom experts, telecom operators have yet to extend their footprints i.e. 3G/4G services and many areas remain still underserved and un-served; therefore, the 5G technology will take some time to come. Further 5G-affordable mobile/smart phones is still a distant dream, they added.