Nokia Networks and Intel have announced the joint opening of a new UK mobile broadband innovation centre aimed at building and testing "a new breed" of mobile broadband applications.
The new facility is located in Bath, close to parent company Microsoft’s UK head office in Reading, and will look to develop new applications and services based on Nokia Networks’ Liquid Applications, powered by Intel technology-based servers, which can bring distributed cloud computing capabilities closer to mobile users.
"Intel is committed to innovation in mobile computing. By positioning intelligent computing platforms closer to mobile devices, we are enabling a richer, more customized user experience." said Brian Aherne, EMEA marketing director at Intel’s Communications Infrastructure Division.
"In partnering with Nokia Networks we are committed to foster the adoption of mobile edge cloud and enable an active, diverse and vibrant ecosystem with multiple operator partners."
The centre has already signed up EE as its first UK partner, with the operator providing connectivity from its own superfast 4G LTE network to test the system as it looks to implement new delivery methods to lessen the growing load on its networks.
This includes testing new deployments of cloud-based and local services for content such as in-demand video services, such as instant video replays or player statistics at sports venues, which can be quickly delivered to nearby customers without overloading the network.
"We welcome all operators to join us in this exciting venture which also offers tremendous opportunities for application developers to show their skills to the world," said Dirk Lindemeier, head of Liquid Applications at Nokia Networks.
