Nokia is boasting a big win in Slovenia. Slovenia’s T-2 has tapped Nokia as the sole vendor in a five-year deal that will see it supply equipment from its AirScale 5G portfolio.
Nokia will upgrade T-2’s existing single radio access network (RAN) radio footprint as well as introduce enhanced 5G new radio (NR) services.
The project is expected to deliver ultra-fast, low-latency, and high-capacity 5G connectivity to businesses and consumers.
Specifically, Nokia will provide equipment from its latest AirScale radio portfolio, all powered by Nokia's energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology. That includes 5G RAN, AirScale base stations, and Nokia AirScale radio access products including its single RAN portfolio for both indoor and outdoor coverage.
Nokia said it also will provide digital design and deployment for a faster time to market as well as optimization and technical support services.
T-2 is one of the largest telecom providers in Slovenia and recently secured frequencies at auction in the 2100 MHz and 2300 MHz bands. Nokia is a long-time supplier to T-2.
“This important project will enhance the delivery of compelling new 5G services and use cases to our subscribers across the country. We are excited to expand our partnership with Nokia,” said T-2 CTO Jozef Zrimsek in a statement.
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While U.S. operators have been investing in spectrum and preparing for mid-band 5G deployments, Europe has seen slower 5G spending but is speeding up, according to Nokia CEO executive Pekka Lundmark. During an investor conference last month, he called out Europe, Latin America, Africa, and India as targets going forward.
Dell’Oro Group projects the total RAN market to grow 10%-15% in 2021, on track to reach cumulative global RAN investments of around $240 billion in the 2020-2025 forecast period.
Excluding China, Nokia expects to have around 25% market share for mobile networks after R&D investments and new product launches that were part of the work to course correct from early missteps on 5G gear. Early on, Nokia’s 5G profit margins were hindered by the high cost of its ReefShark chipsets.