Telefónica Germany to Use AWS Cloud Infrastructure to Virtualize its 5G Core

Telefónica Germany/O2 announced that it is the first German network operator to build its 5G core network as well as crucial 5G network functions for new industry solutions in the cloud. 

Via the cloud-based 5G core network, new industry solutions can be developed faster, production and logistics processes can be automated even more and applications implemented in real-time (edge computing). In an industrial use case proof of concept, Telefónica Germany/O2 will use Amazon Web Services (AWS) and its proven cloud infrastructure to virtualize its 5G core. In addition, the company is relying on 5G core and orchestration components from the Swedish telecommunications supplier Ericsson. 

This month Telefónica Germany/O2, together with AWS and Ericsson will start the virtualization of the 5G core network and the implementation of first 5G network functions for first selected partners in the industry. The company is investing a double-digit Million Euro amount in the virtualization of the network. Telefónica Germany/O2 will start commercial use of the cloud-based 5G core network for the entire German industry next year.

Data protection is a top priority in the virtualization of the 5G core network: All data from Telefónica Germany / O2 remains exclusively on AWS servers in Germany. Thus guaranteeing the company and its customers a cloud solution with the highest level of reliability and security.

With the virtualization of the 5G core network, Telefónica Germany / O2 is accelerating the introduction of new industry solutions. Instead of a time-consuming hardware setup for new services, software-based integration via the 5G cloud can be implemented easily and at lower costs. In view of the lower development, provisioning and operating costs, experts estimate a savings potential of around 20 percent, said the Operator.