Telenet names tech partners for 5G rollout

Liberty Global-backed Belgian cable operator Telenet has chosen Ericsson, Nokia, and Google Cloud as partners for the rollout of its 5G network. 

The decisions set Telenet on course for the next step in preparing for the 5G network rollout.

Ericsson is already operating the mobile network of Telenet and the pair have now extended their partnership to include 5G radion access network technology. Ericsson will deliver the equipment on the antennas. The company will also provide Telenet with the necessary solutions for all future 5G developments.

Nokia will provide the core network that will support the next generation of mobile technology.

Telenet and Nokia will be using Google Cloud, more specifically Anthos, in the Telenet data centers. Google Cloud’s Anthos for Telecom allows operators to run the Nokia core equipment and other applications that formerly had to be integrated into the network via physical hardware, via cloud-native services.

In addition to enterprise and government applications, Telenet is testing the possibilities of 5G for fixed wireless access broadband internet via the mobile network, and for virtual reality applications at its VR facility The Park  in Hasselt.

Micha Berger, CTIO of Telenet, said “We are on the eve of a next step in our technological evolution. 5G is so much more than a radio technology system: it is the engine for innovation and opportunities for other ways of working, automation and analysis. But as with any next generation it all starts with developing a high-performance network. Choosing the right suppliers and partners is crucial. I am therefore pleased to be able to partner with Ericsson, Nokia and Google Cloud to roll out a future-proof mobile network in Belgium that will provide all our residential and professional customers with the best possible user experience, be it via 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G. This partnership and cooperation between parties is unique and will keep us at the heart of innovation with cutting edge technology.”