Nokia and A1 Austria announce 5G partnership

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A1, Austria’s leading network operator, has selected Nokia to deliver its 5G RAN and core, as part of its strategy to become the country’s leading provider of 5G networking.

A1 Austria selects Nokia for 5G.
(Image credit: A1 Austria.)

A1 Austria, the country’s leading fixed and mobile network operator, has announced that Nokia will be providing its 5G coverage, in a multi-year contract, which will see the two companies working to deliver new services and opportunities, supporting Viennese businesses, start-ups and private individuals.

With 5.4 million mobile and 2.3 million fixed-line customers, A1 Austria aims to become the 5G market leader, and Nokia will supply A1y with 5G radio access and core network services, building on an existing partnership which has seen the two companies collaborating on 3G and 4G services in the past.

"We had no hesitation in continuing our collaboration to ensure that we realize the full potential of 5G technology."

Marcus Grausam, A1.

“Our ambition is to ensure Austria enters the digital era with the best connectivity underpinned by our 5G network,” said Marcus Grausam, CEO at A1 Austria. “With Nokia as our partner we have already worked side by side on many successful projects and we had no hesitation in continuing our collaboration to ensure that we realize the full potential of 5G technology.”

5G RAN and core

A1 Austria will use Nokia’s  AirScale portfolio, including 5G RAN, AirScale base stations and Nokia AirScale radio access products, with development already underway, and core elements expected to be rolled out in the first half of 2021.

"We are delighted to extend our long-standing partnership with A1 Austria into the 5G era by supplying our RAN and core technology."

Tommi Uitto, Nokia.

“We are delighted to extend our long-standing partnership with A1 Austria into the 5G era by supplying our RAN and core technology,” said Tommi Uitto, president of mobile networks at Nokia. “We have already worked collaboratively with A1 on a number of exciting projects and we take this expansion project as affirmation that our technology is best-in-class. We look forward to embarking on this next journey as their trusted partner.”

A1 will also launch 4G and 5G network slicing commercially following a successful pilot, building on projects such as private wireless project and installations at Magna Steyr, Vienna Airport, and 5G Playground Carinthia.  

Dan Oliver
Dan Oliver

Dan is a British journalist with 20 years of experience in the design and tech sectors, producing content for the likes of Microsoft, Adobe, Dell and The Sunday Times. In 2012 he helped launch the world's number one design blog, Creative Bloq. Dan is now editor-in-chief at 5Gradar, where he oversees news, insight and reviews, providing an invaluable resource for anyone looking to stay up-to-date with the key issues facing 5G.