Nokia and Orange Group have joined hands to develop 5G networks and applications that can allow enterprises to take advantage of faster internet services.
As part of the collaboration, both companies will define and test platform deployment of 5G-based applications to enable new services for consumer and vertical markets.
Both companies will focus on transitioning from 4G to 5G networks connectivity in the most efficient manner in terms of power, operations and cost effectiveness, while also maintaining quality and reliability.
The companies also plan to develop on existing joint innovation programmes and to work with other partners, to make 5G a commercial reality and in driving digital transformation across several industries.
5G offers drastic improvements in peak data speeds, network latency and the ability to enable network slicing. These features allow operators to support a growing number of customers and connected IoT devices, while offering consistent quality of services.
According to Nokia, consistent network quality can be a foundation for smart cities, connected vehicles, smart factories and offices, remote healthcare and several other connected industries.
Nokia and Orange are expected to establish joint innovation platforms at the Nokia Paris Saclay premises near the outskirts of Paris and at a Nokia campus in Lannion in Western France.
Content from our partners
The two companies will also open up laboratories to work with respective innovation 
partners including local companies, vertical application providers and local start-ups in developing an ecosystem for 5G networks.
Orange will use Nokia’s Flexi Base Station and 5G-ready AirScale radio access portfolio, the AirFrame data centre platform and cybersecurity technologies to develop applications that can use 5G ultra-low latency and ultra-high reliability.
This includes ultra-broadband leveraging new frequency bands, cloud radio access network (RAN) and massive multi input multi output (MIMO), Internet of Things, end-to-end network slicing techniques and energy efficiency techniques.
Orange Labs Networks senior vice president Alain Maloberti said: “In line with the Orange Essentials 2020 strategy, Orange places innovation at the heart of its drive to deliver an unmatched customer experience.
“Working with Nokia, we are preparing the evolution of our networks from 4G to 5G, with multiple services on a single infrastructure to deliver a quality tailored for each service requirement.
“Our new services will enhance people’s lives and accelerate the digitization of vertical industries.”
Nokia chief innovation and operating officer Marc Rouanne said: “With our breadth of Radio, IP and Optics technologies, and the expertise of Bell Labs, Nokia is proud to be assisting Orange in the introduction of 5G and the application of the Future X Network paradigm.
“Through this collaboration, we will test 5G applications for different industry segments and measure the benefits of extremely short latency and very high speeds.
“We are also delighted to be applying our world-class R&D expertise in Paris and Lannion in this project.”
