Nokia announced that NOW Telecom has selected Bell Labs Consulting, part of Nokia to create a network design for 5G Standalone (SA) and design and planning for a broadband network in the Philippines.

As part of the agreement, Nokia will also design and implement a pilot 5G network at multiple sites in Metro Manila.

NOW Telecom will start the consulting work next month, while the POC will be carried out in July this year.

NOW Telecom has received grant from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to support the development of 5G mobile and fixed wireless networks in the country.

Nokia will help NOW Telecom acquire investment to deploy the country’s first 5G  Standalone (SA) network and provide differentiated services.

NOW Telecom plans to offer Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) 5G services.

Mel Velasco Velarde, Chairman and CEO of NOW Telecom, said: “A 5G network will play a crucial role in promoting social and financial mobility and spurring economic growth of the country. Nokia’s proven expertise and the collaboration with USTDA will help us provide a world-class 5G network experience to our people.”

Stefan Wilhelm, Head of Bell Labs Consulting at Nokia, said: “The study by our Bell Labs Consulting will provide NOW Telecom with the required analysis, designs and plans for the phased implementation of the 5G SA network.”