CIO

Nokia wins 5G network deal with Vodafone NZ

Will supply and integrate a 5G network which will be launched in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown in late 2019

“We are excited to be working with Nokia to deliver a commercial 5G network for Vodafone and New Zealand, building on our proud heritage of being first to deliver to Kiwis, the best mobile technology available at the time, including 2G, 3G, 4G and now 5G,” says Tony Baird, technology director, Vodafone New Zealand.

The deal with Vodafone New Zealand includes Nokia’s AirScale radio access network, cloud-native core and design services.

Nokia says its 5G portfolio offers operators the necessary flexibility and capabilities to deliver 5G services to both consumers and enterprises. 

Tony BairdCredit: IDG
Tony Baird

Related reading: Enterprise 5G: 4 questions to ask your mobile provider or reseller

“We are excited to be joining forces with Vodafone New Zealand, our partner of over 20 years, to bring 5G to New Zealand,” says Tommi Uitto, president of mobile networks at Nokia.

“With this agreement, we will enable Vodafone New Zealand to deliver 5G services to their customers and create an even more connected society,” says Uitto, in a statement following the announcement of the deal.

“This is a tremendous milestone for Vodafone NZ and Nokia, particularly since 5G already has mindshare amongst consumers and enterprises in New Zealand,” says Phil Marshall, chief research officer, Tolaga Research. 

“It marks the next chapter in a long and prosperous partnership between Vodafone NZ and Nokia, and is a testament to the robustness of Nokia’s 5G portfolio.”  

Related reading:  ‘The most disruptive technology in the horizon is 5G, not from a consumer, but an enterprise perspective’ - Mike Stone, KPMG global advisor and former UK Ministry of Defence CIO  

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