Nokia to account for 63% of BT’s network after clinching 5G deal
Nokia is set to become BT’s largest mobile infrastructure partner after it agreed a deal to supply equipment for 5G and replace Huawei’s existing infrastructure for older networks.
BT Group CEO Philip Jansen said that it was “critical” that the right technology choices were made just months after the UK government banned Huawei from taking part in a 5G rollout.
Nokia will now step up and fill the void, providing 11,600 BT radio sites across the country with the necessary equipment and services to support a reliable mobile infrastructure.
Industry sources believe that Nokia will now account for around two-thirds of BT’s network.
The Swedish telecoms company already provides the 3G services for BT-owned EE’s network but will now also take Huawei’s place in 4G and 2G networks.
Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark said that it had been collaborating with BT for more than 25 years and is well-versed in delivering “best-in-class” connectivity to the UK.
He added: “We are proud to support BT’s 5G network evolution and look forward to working even more closely together in the years to come.”
Commenting on the deal, IDC analyst John Delaney said that the deal will now see Nokia’s equipment being deployed in more densely populated areas.
It marks the end of BT’s relationship with Huawei, the Chinese company that has been frozen out of next-gen mobile plans.
UK Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden revealed back in July that mobile network operators would no longer be able to buy equipment from Huawei after 2020.
Any existing equipment must also be stripped out entirely by 2027.