Nokia has become BT's biggest infrastructure partner following the extension of their long-term strategic relationship into the 5G arena.
As BT's 5G RAN vendor, replacing Huawei, Nokia will provide equipment and services at BT radio sites across the UK, helping to evolve BT’s radio access network to 5G.
BT’s Nokia-powered network, which currently includes Greater London, the Midlands and rural locations, will be extended to cover other towns and cities across the UK.
This enhanced Nokia footprint will support BT’s commitments to the UK Government around the use of High Risk Vendors (HRVs) in UK network infrastructure.
Philip Jansen, CEO, BT Group, said: “In a fast-moving and competitive market, it’s critical we make the right technology choices. With this next stage of our relationship with Nokia we will continue to lead the roll out of fixed and mobile networks.”
Pekka Lundmark, President and CEO, Nokia, added: “Our two companies have collaborated for over a quarter of a century. We are proud to support BT’s 5G network evolution.”