Nokia has been selected by Corporacion Nacional Telecommunicaciones (CNT), a mobile operator in Ecuador, to bring the first 5G network to the country.
Nokia will support CNT with the network modernization of existing LTE infrastructure as well as the installation of a 5G non standalone (NSA) network. Deployment is underway.

The project includes the modernization of existing 3G/LTE infrastructure in the provinces of Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, Bolivar, Morona Santiago and Santa Elena, already implementing over 500 sites for a seamless migration to 5G services.

Nokia said it will also deploy the first 5G non standalone (NSA) sites which will operate in the cities of Guayaquil and Manta. These first 5G sites will enable CNT to plan the services they want to launch with 5G.

Nokia will supply AirScale portfolio, massive MIMO Adaptive Antenna and Micro Remote Radio Head (RRH) solutions to meet the demand for capacity and reliable coverage. CNT also deployed the Nokia AirFrame data center solution to support cloud-based applications necessary for future telco and IT networking.

Nokia is helping to demonstrate 5G uses cases to CNT including 5G smartphones, fixed wireless access for 5G in the home, virtual reality enabled remote classroom, connected cars and industrial supervision with drones provided by geotechnology and umanned aerial solutions company Drone & Gis.

CNT is the biggest fixed telecom operator in Ecuador and also provides mobile services with the latest technologies to ensure the highest speeds in Ecuador. Nokia supplies solutions for mobile radio access network, IP/Optical and Fixed networks to CNT.

Martha Moncayo Guerrero, CEO of CNT, said: “Being the only public telco company in Ecuador and market leaders in offering hyper-converged services, we are prepared for the deployment of 5G networks to provide a new future for Ecuadorians.”