Nokia and Orange France are taking significant steps to enhance the country’s 5G radio infrastructure and ensure energy efficiency, following their extended partnership. The ambitious four-year contract aims to incorporate Nokia’s cutting-edge AirScale portfolio, which promises to deliver improvements in network performance, capacity, and energy consumption. The partnership includes the deployment of advanced 5G solutions and trials for emerging technologies.
A Focus on Advanced Infrastructure
Adoption of High-Capacity Solutions
Nokia’s AirScale portfolio plays a central role in the upgraded infrastructure, offering state-of-the-art solutions designed to meet the expanding demands of 5G networks. The contract encompasses the provision of O-RAN-compliant 5G AirScale equipment such as high-capacity baseband solutions, Massive MIMO Habrok radios, and multi-band remote radio heads. These components are powered by ReefShark System-on-Chip technology, which significantly boosts energy efficiency and enhances network performance metrics.
The Massive MIMO technology, known for its ability to handle substantial data traffic, is crucial for areas with high user densities. By utilizing sophisticated beamforming techniques, these radios can focus signals towards specific users, minimizing interference and improving overall service quality. Additionally, the multi-band remote radio heads help coordinate various frequency bands efficiently, enabling better coverage and more stable connections. This holistic enhancement promises Orange’s customers in southeastern and western France an unprecedented increase in speeds and capacity, alongside more reliable network performance.
Potential Shift Towards Cloud RAN
Orange France is also planning trials for Nokia’s innovative 5G Cloud RAN solutions, marking a potential shift towards virtualized radio access networks. Cloud RAN, or Cloud Radio Access Network, leverages centralized data centers to handle processing tasks traditionally managed by localized base stations. This not only reduces hardware requirements but also promotes energy efficiency and network elasticity. By simplifying network architecture, Cloud RAN makes it easier to deploy, manage, and scale 5G networks, thus paving the way for future technology integrations.
The move towards Cloud RAN signals Orange’s commitment to staying ahead in the telecom industry by embracing forward-thinking technologies. These trials will allow Orange France to assess the performance and feasibility of such integrations in its existing infrastructure. If successful, the widespread adoption of Cloud RAN could revolutionize network operations, making it more adaptable and cost-effective. This initiative reflects a strategic effort to enhance both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability, key aspects aligning with the broader goals of reducing carbon footprints.
Enhancing Customer and Enterprise Services
AI-Powered Network Management
To support the new 5G infrastructure, Nokia will provide its AI-powered MantaRay NM network management solution. This advanced tool integrates artificial intelligence to oversee and optimize all radio and mobile core technologies. MantaRay NM’s AI-driven capabilities enable predictive maintenance, dynamic resource allocation, and automated troubleshooting, which are pivotal for maintaining high service standards and minimizing downtime. This results in superior customer experiences and operational reliability for Orange France.
Incorporating AI in network management will allow Orange France to preemptively address potential issues, reducing the likelihood of service disruptions and enhancing overall network performance. The technology’s ability to learn and adapt continually will further contribute to the operational efficiency of the network. This integration underscores Nokia’s commitment to providing robust and intelligent solutions that cater to the evolving demands of end-users and enterprises alike.
5G Services and Future Markets
With its commercial 5G services launched in December 2020, Orange France remains at the forefront of 5G innovation. It has already been testing 3.5 GHz-based 5G SA services tailored for enterprise customers and is preparing to introduce 5G+ offers for both consumer and B2B markets by 2025. Notably, Orange successfully utilized its 5G SA network during the Olympic Games in Paris, demonstrating the network’s capacity to handle massive event-related data traffic.
In 2023, Orange’s business division launched a hybrid public/private 5G solution, combining public network accessibility with private network deployments. This ‘two-in-one solution’ integrates features such as network slicing, edge computing, and local data break-out, positioning it as an ideal option for France-based enterprises seeking managed services. The combination of public and private network capabilities allows for tailored solutions that meet specific business needs, providing increased flexibility, security, and efficiency for corporate clients.
Commitment to Sustainability
Reducing Environmental Impact
The extended partnership between Nokia and Orange France also places a pronounced emphasis on sustainability. Orange France’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Emmanuel Lugagne Delpon, highlighted that this contract will contribute significantly to reducing the environmental impact by enhancing energy efficiency. Nokia’s Tommi Uitto echoed this sentiment, stating that the collaboration closely aligns with Orange’s goals for network performance and achieving net carbon neutrality. This focus on sustainability is pivotal in addressing the global challenges of climate change and resource conservation.
Leveraging energy-efficient solutions such as ReefShark technology and Cloud RAN capabilities plays a crucial role in this endeavor. These technologies reduce energy consumption while delivering high performance, thus supporting Orange France’s overarching sustainability objectives. By prioritizing energy efficiency in its network strategies, Orange France not only reduces operational costs but also demonstrates corporate responsibility towards environmental stewardship.
Innovations Bolstering the Telecom Sector
In a bid to bolster France’s 5G radio network and ensure energy conservation, Nokia and Orange France have taken substantial steps forward. This progress follows the extension of their partnership, marked by an ambitious four-year agreement. This contract features Nokia’s innovative AirScale portfolio, designed to enhance network performance, boost capacity, and improve energy efficiency.
The partnership’s scope extends to deploying advanced 5G solutions and conducting trials for new technologies. With Nokia’s state-of-the-art technology, Orange France aims to roll out a more efficient and expansive 5G network. This joint effort highlights a commitment to addressing the growing demands for faster and more reliable mobile data while managing energy consumption responsibly. As 5G technology evolves, such collaborations are crucial for leading the digital transformation and ensuring that both performance and sustainability are prioritized. This alliance between Nokia and Orange France symbolizes a significant stride in the pursuit of a robust, future-ready communication infrastructure.
