Nokia Extends UScellular Relationship with 5G Standalone Core Agreement

Nokia has been selected to roll out UScellular’s standalone 5G core network with deployment expected to be completed by the end of 2022. By implementing SA core, UScellular will be able to unlock the full potential of 5G for its customers.

UScellular will also be able to leverage Nokia’s cloud-native, open modular structure to rapidly introduce and scale future network functions for new revenue opportunities. Deployment of Nokia’s 5G core adds to existing support for the Radio Access Network (RAN) where Nokia is supplying its AirScale radios for both low-band and mmWave 5G.

“As we continue to expand and enhance our 5G network, we value the innovation and support that Nokia provides to help us deliver a superior wireless experience to our residential and business customers. As we deploy 5G SA core, Nokia brings expertise, technology excellence and the right mix of hardware, software and services to meet our requirements for high performance and low latency,“ said Mike Irizarry, Executive Vice President and CTO at UScellular.

“Our 5G SA core and 5G radios provide not only new capabilities, scale, operational efficiencies, and revenue opportunities, but drive a far better user experience that customers expect. Working with UScellular to provide the core network function software and cloud infrastructure continues our momentum in the North American standalone 5G core market,“ said Ed Cholerton, President of Nokia North America.

Nokia’s 5G SA core is a cloud-native architecture with network functions deployed as microservices that can be moved to the network edge to meet low latency requirements for software-driven services, like network slicing. Globally, Nokia has already deployed over 250+ cloud core networks and 70+ 5G standalone core networks.