Nokia announced at MWC 2019 that it is joining Facebook's Express Wi-Fi Technology Partner ecosystem, expanding its participation in Facebook Connectivity's initiatives.
The Nokia AirScale Wi-Fi platform will be available to CSPs and ISPs that are participating in Facebook's Express Wi-Fi initiative, enabling them to provide quality internet access to customers in emerging markets. First deployments are expected to occur in 2019.
With today's announcement, Nokia becomes an Express Wi-Fi Technology Partner, joining the Facebook partner ecosystem program that allows network equipment manufacturers to build network hardware and software that is compatible with Express Wi-Fi. Nokia will provide its carrier-grade AirScale Wi-Fi platform with a cloud-based Wi-Fi controller and multiple plug-n-play Wi-Fi access point products and modules. The Nokia AirScale Wi-Fi platform makes gigabit Wi-Fi simple to deploy and enables service providers without licensed spectrum to deliver a mobile-like customer experience.
Express Wi-Fi is a platform that enables service providers and mobile network operators to build, operate, grow, and monetize internet access over Wi-Fi in a sustainable and scalable way. Through this program, service providers and operators partner with local communities and local entrepreneurs to extend Wi-Fi coverage, providing people with fast, affordable, and reliable access to the internet over Wi-Fi. Today, the Express Wi-Fi program is available in Ghana, India, Nigeria, Kenya, Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania and Indonesia.
Dan Rabinovitsj, VP of Facebook Connectivity
The AirScale portfolio of Wi-Fi products will be a strong addition to the program and will help to bring affordable Wi-Fi solutions to emerging markets.
Kathrin Buvac, President of Nokia Enterprise and Chief Strategy Officer
We are pleased to add our AirScale Wi-Fi platform to the Express Wi-Fi Technology Partner program and look forward to further collaborations with Facebook and its partners to create innovative technologies that help people connect.