China Unicom, Nokia deploying cloud-native core network

China Unicom and Nokia have announced plans to jointly deploy a cloud-native core network based on Nokia AirGile in seven Chinese provinces.

The network will allow the agile delivery of VoLTE and VoWiFi services from a single platform, as well as new services including one-number, multi-device services giving users the ability to receive calls on multiple connected devices.

Customers will be able to move seamlessly between Unicom's 4G network and Wi-Fi access points.

The seven provinces are Sichuan, Inner Mongolia, Jilin, Hainan, Yunnan, Gansu and Hunan.

Nokia and China Unicom commenced interoperability testing for the deployment in 2017 to allow Unicom to be the first operator to deploy a three-layer decoupled network architecture using network functions virtualization to decouple hardware and software.

The deployment also includes CloudBand NFV management and orchestration software, a virtual IMS and session border controller as well as analytics capabilities and systems integration services.

“Nokia has the breadth of technology and services expertise to provide an end-to-end cloud native core for China Unicom,” commented Gao Bo, head of the China Unicom customer business team at Nokia Shanghai Bell.

“The network will deliver new capabilities and allow China Unicom to accelerate the launch of new services, while new agility will help enable a smooth transition toward 5G in the future."