stc taps Nokia for network slicing software

Details: Manny Pham; Category: Vendors; 06 December 2023; 20633 views

Nokia secured a contract to supply its Digital Operations Orchestration software to Saudi-based operator stc, enabling the provider to deploy 5G slicing services and boost growth opportunities.

In a statement, Nokia MEA VP of Cloud and Network Services, Global Business Center, Samar Mittal, said: “We are excited to further build on the Nokia-stc partnership. This agreement enables stc to capitalise on new 5G business opportunities with premium, automated network slicing services that deliver an enhanced and on-demand customer experience, with all the requirements for scale and SLA fulfilment.”

Anwar Al-Subhi, GM Cloud Infrastructure, at stc added: “Providing new 5G slicing services and technology openness go hand in hand for stc, so we’re pleased that Nokia has these capabilities that will provide our customers with specific network experiences, while giving us fresh automaton and operational efficiency benefits.”

Nokia detailed the service is ran through its orchestration centre which automates the creation and lifecycle management of end-to-end 5G slicing at scale for personalised connectivity services for enterprises and consumers.

The deal aligns with stc’s latest growth strategy DARE (Digitise, Accelerate performance, Reinvent experience, and Expand scale and scope).

The contract win follows a hammer blow for Nokia this week, when US operator AT&T signed an exclusive open RAN contract with rival Ericsson. Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark revealed the deal pushed back the Finnish vendor's financial targets for the next two to three years.