The agreement extends a strategic partnership spanning more than 20 years and will see Nokia deploy its latest AirScale RAN portfolio across the UK. This includes Massive MIMO radios, modular baseband solutions and energy-efficient next-generation radio platforms, designed to significantly enhance 5G performance.
Virgin Media O2 is expected to benefit from improvements in capacity, coverage, spectral efficiency and customer-experienced speeds, while also laying the groundwork for the evolution to 5G Advanced technologies.
Mark Atkinson, head of RAN at Nokia said: “We are delighted to deepen our longstanding partnership with Virgin Media O2 through this important new 5G RAN deal.
“Our AirScale portfolio is designed to deliver the performance, efficiency, and flexibility required for the UK’s future connectivity needs. We look forward to supporting Virgin Media O2 in building one of the most advanced and reliable 5G Advanced networks in the country.”
The deployment will utilise Nokia’s GigaSite architecture, Dual Band Massive MIMO and AI-enabled baseband platforms to support scalability and operational efficiency. The upgrade is also expected to improve energy performance through advanced software features and optimised spectrum use.
Alongside the rollout, both companies will expand joint innovation programmes, focusing on automation, AI-driven intelligence and next-generation RAN capabilities through pilots and proof-of-concept projects.
Jeanie York, CTO at Virgin Media O2, said: “As we continue to evolve and enhance our award winning mobile network with our Mobile Transformation Plan, Nokia remains a key strategic partner in helping us deliver reliable connectivity to our customers.
“This new agreement allows us to accelerate our 5G rollout, improve performance, and ensure we meet growing demand for high quality mobile services both today and in the future.”
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