Dutch operator KPN has chosen Ericsson’s standalone 5G core technology to replace Huawei equipment in its network core.
Under a five-year agreement, Ericsson will supply dual-mode 5G core software along with comprehensive support services. The contract includes systems integration and third-line support to ensure smooth deployment and ongoing operations.
Babak Fouladi, Chief Technology and Digital Officer at KPN, said:
“With our new 5G core network, we are entering the next era of mobile technology. By partnering with Ericsson on the latest technologies, gigabit data rates, real-time communication and massive IoT are becoming reality. This will enable new functionalities and capabilities for our customers and society and confirms KPN is truly delivering on its promise to be the network of the Netherlands.”
KPN maintains a multi-vendor approach. While it continues to use Huawei for 5G radio access in parts of its network, the operator earlier confirmed it would select a Western vendor for the 5G core.
Joost Farwerck, CEO of KPN, added:
“With our new mobile core network, we are ready for the data flows of the future, real-time communication and massive IoT. This will open up new digital solutions for our customers and for Dutch society at large. For the renewal of this part of our mobile network we use the latest network technologies that the market has to offer through technology partner Ericsson.”
Ericsson has been expanding its commercial footprint, having reached a milestone of 100 commercial 5G agreements earlier. The company’s recent run of deals underscores growing momentum for its cloud-native solutions.
KPN reports that autonomous vehicles have already been connected to the Ericsson-powered 5G test network. The operator expects technical implementation of the new core to begin before the end of the year.
Arun Bansal, President of Europe and Latin America at Ericsson, said:
“We are pleased to expand our 100-year partnership with KPN through our technology-leading 5G Core solutions. We will work closely with KPN to ensure that consumers and enterprises in the Netherlands can benefit from the emerging opportunities of 5G as it embraces digitalisation. Ericsson’s cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core provides the cutting-edge, container-based, microservice architecture that will help KPN to both develop new business models as well as move onto the next level of network operational efficiency.”
Ericsson’s solution will enable KPN to deploy its first standalone 5G core, complementing the non-standalone 5G services that have been available to customers since July. At launch, KPN’s 5G coverage already exceeded 90 percent in the country’s top five cities.
KPN expects Ericsson’s technology to support rising bandwidth needs by improving network slicing and resource management, allowing the operator to allocate capacity more efficiently for services such as real-time communication, IoT and high-throughput applications.
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