China Unicom plans to deploy a cloud-native core network based on Nokia AirGile technology in seven Chinese provinces.
The deployment of the Nokia cloud-native core network will enable China Unicom to deliver Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) and Voice-over-Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) capabilities from a single platform, as well as new services such as 'one-number, multi-devices'.
As a result subscribers will experience high definition voice calling, faster call set-up and seamless connectivity as they move between China Unicom's 4G network and Wi-Fi access points, and receive calls on multiple connected devices.
Nokia will deploy its technology in seven provinces in China, including major industrial and tourist hubs: Sichuan, Inner Mongolia, Jilin, Hainan, Yunnan, Gansu and Hunan. The network will include Nokia AirGile cloud-native core technologies as well as the Nokia AirFrame data center, NetAct, CloudBand and Session Border Controller. Nokia will also act as a product and systems integrator.
In 2017 Nokia and China Unicom began interoperability with other vendors' equipment, enabling China Unicom to be the first operator to deploy a three-layer decoupled network architecture using network functions virtualization to decouple hardware and software and ensure flexibility allowing each network layer to evolve independently.
Gao Bo, Head of the China Unicom Customer Business Team, Nokia Shanghai Bell
Nokia has the breadth of technology and services expertise to provide an end-to-end cloud native core for China Unicom. The network will deliver new capabilities and allow China Unicom to accelerate the launch of new services, while new agility will help enable a smooth transition toward 5G in the future.
