Nokia applies spectrum innovation to create private mobile networks and expand opportunities for connected vertical industries #MWC17

Press Release

  • Nokia radio access network and core technologies to leverage licensed, unlicensed and shared spectrum for robust private mobile networks to meet communications and innovation needs of vertical industries

  • MEC to enable interworking between multi-operator, multi-access RAN networks to boost performance and quality in venues and enterprise buildings

  • Nokia to show potential for new enterprise business opportunities at Mobile World Congress 2017 using Flexi Zone small cells leveraging MulteFire(TM) and CBRS spectrum


13 February, 2017

Espoo, Finland - Nokia is to introduce technologies that leverage licensed, unlicensed and shared spectrum for the creation of robust, private end-to-end networks for vertical industries. Nokia will apply Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) capabilities and leverage its Flexi Zone, Cloud Packet Core and global services expertise to open up new opportunities for enterprises as they automate operations and connect employees and customers.

Following the introduction of applications tailored to business needs using Multi-access Edge Computing, Nokia will now make multi-operator and multi-access network interworking commercially available. Using MEC capabilities, Nokia will provide an overlay approach to a multi-operator, multi-access RAN network, aggregating the enterprise Wi-Fi(TM) or other private wireless networks with an operator`s wireless network to boost performance. This will allow the enterprise or venue to deliver the best possible experience for customers using the Wi-Fi network while adding LTE capacity and robustness.

Nokia and Boingo have signed an agreement to trial the technology. Dr. Derek Peterson, chief technology officer at Boingo, said: "Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) is now at the foundation of Boingo`s next-generation networks and participation in trials involving the technology helps keep us at the forefront of wireless connectivity. New NFV advancements like Nokia`s latest MEC capabilities will be crucial to the 5G vision and convergence of LTE and Wi-Fi."

At Mobile World Congress, Nokia will showcase the industry-first MulteFire(TM) release 1.0-compliant live service running on a commercial Flexi Zone small cell. One demonstration will use MulteFire carrier aggregation to boost network performance, while Nokia will also show how MulteFire could be developed in the future to support narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT) connectivity for efficient use of spectrum and increased battery life of devices.

Nokia will also explain how enterprises, venues and the hospitality industry in the United States will be able to use the 3.5 GHz Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) shared spectrum to deploy private LTE for their own business needs while also providing access to operators` subscribers. CBRS Flexi Zone small cells - combined with a neutral host gateway and neutral host capable devices - will enable private CBRS LTE network owners to easily allow transparent connectivity for operators` subscribers, helping with operators` densification and indoor penetration needs on their path to 5G.