A groundbreaking achievement in 5G technology has been realized, as a collaboration between Telia and Nokia successfully maintained a secure and uninterrupted standalone 5G network slice across three different countries. This milestone, executed during a live trial, involved real commercial networks rather than just a lab demonstration, marking a significant advancement for various sectors such as defense and emergency response. The capability to ensure seamless connectivity across national borders is particularly crucial for military operations, where reliable communication can be mission-critical. With coalition activities becoming more common, the necessity for secure and uninterrupted connectivity is becoming essential for success.
The trial utilized Nokia’s 5G Core Software-as-a-Service, Nokia AirScale radio equipment, and Telia’s active 5G standalone (SA) networks, highlighting the advanced technology employed in this trial. Tommi Uitto, Nokia’s President of Mobile Networks, referred to the continuous 5G slice across borders as a groundbreaking achievement. However, the benefits of this slicing technology extend beyond military applications. Telia and Nokia emphasize its usefulness in other fields such as mining and live broadcasting, where dependable and high-performance connections are indispensable.
For instance, broadcasters can secure a dedicated network slice to ensure their live feeds remain stable during significant events, while the mining industry can rely on consistent connections for real-time monitoring of operations underground. This successful trial enhances Nokia’s position in the competitive landscape of advanced 5G infrastructure. Although competitors like Ericsson and Huawei are developing similar slicing technologies, the ability to maintain secure services across borders sets Nokia apart. This feat showcases the evolution of 5G technology and the vast potential applications it may offer in the future.