Nokia & du Achieve Breakthrough in Transport Network Slicing

Nokia has announced the successful completion of its network slicing trial in collaboration with du, a leading telecom and digital services provider in the UAE. This marks the first live transport slicing deployment in the country, offering the potential for du to run multiple network services that address various customer needs, all while leveraging its existing network infrastructure.

Benefits of Network Slicing for Optimal Performance

Network slicing is a transformative technology that allows telecom operators to allocate network resources efficiently, ensuring the best possible performance and quality for each service. With Nokia’s advanced slicing technology and Network Service Platform (NSP), du can provide diverse services, ranging from ultra-reliable low-latency communications needed for gaming and video streaming to massive machine-type communications for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This will not only enhance network performance but also improve energy efficiency and overall network utilization. The trial also promises a range of benefits in terms of security, service innovation, and resource management. With network slicing, du can offer enhanced privacy protections and more efficient resource utilization, which will not only improve the quality of service but also unlock new monetization opportunities. This advancement positions du to gain a competitive edge in the market.

Reducing Energy Consumption and Carbon Footprint

Saleem Alblooshi, Chief Technology Officer at du, said: “Nokia’s network slicing technology, integrated with the Network Service Platform (NSP), aligns perfectly with our vision of being an AI enabler in line with the UAE National Strategy for AI 2031. This cutting-edge technology empowers du to optimize resource allocation in real-time, based on demand and traffic patterns. It plays a crucial role in our monetization strategies by enhancing network operations and elevating the customer experience. As a company committed to innovation, investing in network slicing is a natural and progressive step for us."

Rima Manna, Vice President of Network Infrastructure Sales, Middle East and Country Director of UAE at Nokia, said: “This partnership with du is an essential step in enabling our customers with technologies that will set them apart in the industry. Network slicing automates the creation, assurance, and optimization of transport slices to facilitate dynamic services with specific requirements in terms of bandwidth, latency and reliability. After investing considerable time in building such automated services, we are confident that this will significantly benefit not only du but also all its end users.”

In addition to providing tailored solutions for users, the network slicing technology enables more efficient management of the network infrastructure. This approach reduces energy consumption and contributes to a smaller carbon footprint, promoting sustainability while enhancing network capabilities.