Nokia and Three UK to deploy world’s first next-generation cloud native core network

Espoo, Finland – Nokia and Three UK, part of CK Hutchison, are to deploy the world’s first fully integrated cloud native core network. The UK network will enable massive scalability, allowing Three to rapidly respond to customers’ dynamic service demands while preparing for IoT and 5G.

By applying cloud native principles into its cloud software design, Nokia will enable Three to leverage the full benefit of the cloud architecture, including massive scalability and better reliability. This will provide the highest quality service experience for Three’s customers, even in the busiest locations, as demand for VoLTE and high-definition video continues to grow.

Nokia will begin deployment of Three UK’s new core network in multiple data center locations in the course of 2017. The flexible and scalable cloud platform employed will allow Three to increase efficiencies, while also benefitting from the breadth of Nokia’s technology and services capabilities, including the expertise offered by the Global Cloud Design Center opened in the UK in September 2016.

Commenting on the deployment, David Snow, Principal Analyst at Current Analysis, said: “This is a significant cloud core network deal with the potential to deliver a wide range of technology and business benefits to Three UK. As carriers gear up for the 5G future it is vital that their core networks are flexible enough to match 5G access network demands, especially in terms of latency and scalability. This deal demonstrates that Nokia has a wide range of cloud technologies and professional service assets which it can use to design and deploy such an end-to-end cloud core network solution.”

Graham Baxter, Chief Operating Officer of Three UK, said: “Three carries 35% of mobile data traffic in the UK today.  The  cloud core network will enable us to scale even further and continue to offer great value and service innovation to our customers.  The agreement with Nokia will help us to continue delivering the UK’s most reliable network.”

Cormac Whelan, head of Nokia UK & Ireland, said. “This project highlights the breadth of Nokia’s capabilities in technology and services, as well as our extensive ecosystem of cloud technology partners. I’m particularly proud of the role our new Global Cloud Design Center has played in first demonstrating the potential of an integrated cloud native core to Three, prior to working with the customer to tailor the design and delivery of a solution to meet its needs.”