The News: Nokia and Google announced that they have trialed network slice selection functionality on 4G/5G networks using UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) technology and Google Pixel 6 (Pro) phones running Android 13. Once deployed, the solution is developed to enable operators provide new 5G network slicing services and enhance the customer application experience of devices with Android 13. Specifically, URSP capabilities can support a smartphone to connect to multiple network slices simultaneously via different enterprise and consumer applications depending on a subscriber’s specific requirements. Read the Nokia Press Release here.
Nokia and Google Smartly Advance 4G/5G Network Slicing
Analyst Take: Nokia and Google are showcasing their collaborative trial conducted at Nokia’s development center in Tampere, Finland, demonstrating LTE-5G New Radio (NR) interworking capabilities aimed at enabling communications service providers (CSPs) to deliver more value from their existing network coverage and spectrum assets. Through URSP, the trialed solution can extend network slicing to an expanding array of new use cases and applications by erecting network slices according to security, latency, traffic routing, and network performance parameters.
I find intriguing use cases such as enterprise users having the ability to send business-sensitive information using a high-performing, secure network slice while conjoined on a video call using another slice simultaneously. From my view, network slicing will play a critical role toward enabling operators to be able to offer the wide array of use cases key to meeting the distinct requirements of customers and boosting their 5G network build return on investment. In addition, the URSP-based network slicing solution is compatible with Nokia’s new 5G radio resource allocation mechanisms as well as slice continuity capabilities over 4G and 5G networks.
The trial was conducted using Nokia’s 4G/5G network slicing product portfolio across RAN-transport-core and related control and management systems. The trial included 5G network slice selection and connectivity based on enterprise and consumer application categories, as well as 5G NR-LTE slice interworking functions.
I see the Nokia Google partnership as advancing network slicing across the 5G ecosystem in parallel with other recent noteworthy network slicing collaborations. Amdocs and A1 Telekom Austria, for instance, are working together to develop 5G services based on their recent network slicing tests and Ericsson is also working on delivering network slices to devices using Android 13.
I believe the Google alliance also provides Nokia the sales and marketing opportunity to further promote how its multi-domain cloud-native Digital Operations Center modular solution, consisting of the common Unified Inventory, Orchestration Center, and Assurance Center components, helps power network slicing especially across intricate multi-vendor environments. Nokia purpose-developed the solution to provide the fully automated, AIOps-driven service lifecycle management integral to CSP design, delivery, and assurance of 5G network slices at scale.
Key Takeaways: Nokia Google 4G/5G Network Slicing Alliance
I anticipate that Nokia will play a vital supplier role in supporting the on-demand traffic and policy management key to assuring the low-latency connections that CSPs must use to fulfill customer demand for innovative network slicing capabilities which accord to their specific use case requirements. As each slice consists of a set of 5G functions and radio settings that can be assembled for specific business models and mobile experiences, Nokia is now set to aid CSPs in augmenting their 5G monetization objectives and managed services offerings by using network slicing to deliver use case specific services and applications.
Disclosure: Futurum Research is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.
Analysis and opinions expressed herein are specific to the analyst individually and data and other information that might have been provided for validation, not those of Futurum Research as a whole.
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Author Information
Ron is an experienced, customer-focused research expert and analyst, with over 20 years of experience in the digital and IT transformation markets, working with businesses to drive consistent revenue and sales growth.
Ron holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy from University of Nevada — Las Vegas and a Bachelor of Arts in political science/government from William and Mary.
