Nokia and Claro have announced the successful completion of the first stage of Colombia's most extensive 5G deployment, covering over 1,000 sites nationwide. This milestone was achieved only four months after Colombian authorities issued 5G licenses. The project incorporates state-of-the-art radio, core, and transport technologies, delivering exceptional coverage and connectivity. This deployment is set to lay the foundation for future innovation across industries such as transport, mining, energy, and oil and gas.
Under the contract, Nokia supplied equipment from its comprehensive and energy-efficient AirScale portfolio for both indoor and outdoor scenarios. This includes base stations, high-capacity Massive MIMO antennas, and remote radio head (RRH) solutions. Nokia has also signed an additional deal to deploy 400 more 5G sites. The technology provider will deliver its MantaRay NM solution for seamless network management, MantaRay SON for automated operations, network optimization, and technical support services.
The initial deployment provides 5G coverage in six of Colombia's largest cities, with plans to expand into 14 additional cities in 2024. Nokia is also providing various software solutions, including its fully automated 5G Core for ultra-low latency performance. This enables advanced services and new revenue streams such as Fixed Wireless Access. The Nokia Assurance Center facilitates automated network decision-making by leveraging diverse data sets and operational intelligence. Additionally, Nokia’s NetGuard Cybersecurity Dome and NetGuard Endpoint Detection and Response offer a comprehensive threat detection and incident response suite delivered in a SaaS subscription model, enhancing efficiency and response times to cyber threats.
Nokia's IP Anyhaul solution will ensure scalable, seamless, and low-latency mobile backhaul and fronthaul connectivity, utilizing FP5-based 7750 service routers and 7250 interconnect routers. Highly efficient operational automation is provided by the Network Services Platform. Claro will also deploy Nokia's flagship 1830 Photonic Service Switch platform to deliver high-speed, multiservice connectivity across its metro transport network, supporting traffic from Aggregation to Concentration layers. Claro's optical network will be managed by the WaveSuite optical automation software applications for end-to-end network management and resource control.
Nokia and Claro have a partnership spanning over 20 years, covering 2G, 3G, 4G, and now 5G technologies. Recently, the two companies deployed an industrial-grade private 4.9G wireless network and edge computing solution at the port terminal of Sociedad Portuaria Puerto Bahía in Cartagena, Colombia.
Rodrigo de Gusmao, CEO of Claro Colombia, expressed his delight: “We are thrilled to have our 5G network operational in record time. 5G connectivity is a game changer, providing incredible speeds, security, and capacity. This platform will enable us to deliver next-level services to our customers and various industries. We are excited to continue our long-standing partnership with Nokia, leading this 5G revolution.”
Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, added: “We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Claro Colombia into the 5G era. The close collaboration of both companies was key to completing this project in record time. Together, we have built the foundations for spearheading the digital transformation in Colombia, benefiting society, its citizens, and its businesses. Our industry-leading AirScale portfolio will underpin this change with premium-grade capacity, performance, and coverage. I look forward to continuing this partnership in the years to come.”
