Vodafone customers will be able to access 5G the first half of 2020 after partnering with Nokia to commence the network build and fast-track the rollout.
According to Vodafone Australia CEO Inaki Berroeta, the first group of 5G sites will be activated in the coming months in and around Parramatta.
These sites were built by Nokia as a test network to demonstrate its technology and will eventually become Vodafone’s first area of commercial 5G coverage.
“This is an exciting milestone in Vodafone’s 5G network rollout,” Berroeta said.
“We have worked with Nokia for several years across different elements of our network.
“They presented a compelling roadmap that aligned with our 5G objectives and will help us to continue improving our 4G network for our customers.
“Their knowledge of our network is extensive, and they are in the best position to ensure a seamless transition and that we reach our 5G goals as soon as possible while maintaining the best experience for our 4G customers.”
Berroeta says the partnership with Nokia was the final stage of a long process following the Federal Government’s security guidance in August 2018.
“We have been preparing for the evolution of 5G for a long time,” he said.
“Our focus has always been to deliver the best possible mobile service for our customers.
“With 5G devices only just starting to become more widely available, now is the right time to start rolling out 5G. We’re excited to continue this journey with Nokia.”
Nokia began working with Vodafone in Australia on its 5G plans back in 2016 with the movement from trials to actual network deployment.
The agreement between Vodafone and Nokia has a five-year term and will allow Vodafone to place orders with Nokia for site delivery and offer the flexibility to scale the pace of its 5G rollout.
Nokia’s 5G roadmap for Vodafone will enable 5G in all spectrum bands that are currently being used for 4G as well as the implementation of 5G Massive MIMO antennas to deliver significant increases in capacity and performance.
