Nokia today announced a multiple-year extension of its strategic partnership with T-Mobile US. This agreement is designed to further expand and enhance T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G network coverage and capacity, advancing its network by deploying next-gen baseband and radio technology.
Currently, T-Mobile’s network reaches over 98 percent of the U.S. population; the collaboration demonstrates its commitment to further extending its high-performance 5G capabilities.
Nokia will supply its AirScale RAN portfolio, which includes its Habrok Massive MIMO and Levante ultra-performance baseband solutions. These are powered by its ReefShark SOC technology, and are expected to boost T-Mobile’s 5G network to maximize performance, efficiency and reliability. Nokia will also deploy its AI-powered MantaRay SON and AutoPilot self-organizing network solution to promote optimization and automation. The deal includes hardware, software, maintenance and support services.
The collaboration will also advance T-Mobile’s network evolution, leveraging next-gen RAN architecture to enhance agility, scalability and operational efficiency. Nokia will continue to support T-Mobile’s AI-RAN initiatives, including the ongoing technology partnership at T-Mobile’s AI-RAN Innovation Center launched last year. This center is dedicated to integrating AI into RAN to revolutionize network experiences and deliver stronger business outcomes.
“T-Mobile’s nationwide standalone 5G network has solidified our global leadership by delivering tangible benefits to our customers,” said T-Mobile president of technology, Ulf Ewaldsson. “This new agreement with Nokia will further enhance our current network capabilities as we strengthen our journey supercharged with 5G Advanced, laying a robust foundation for future innovation.”
“This new agreement strengthens our deep partnership with T-Mobile US, and extends their leadership in delivering next-generation connectivity across the U.S.,” said Justin Hotard, Nokia’s president and CEO. “By implementing Nokia’s latest AirScale RAN innovations, along with advanced virtualized and AI-RAN-based solutions, T-Mobile will unlock premium 5G performance for their customers. I’m excited to continue our partnership to shape the next chapter of mobile connectivity in the U.S.”
Nokia is T-Mobile US’ long-standing partner in RAN. The combination of Nokia’s advanced solutions and T-Mobile’s “Challenger to Champion” strategic initiatives have helped T-Mobile amass its 5G network, which covers more than 332 million people across two million square miles.
