Nokia gets nod for NOW Telecom 5G SA network

NOW Telecom has selected Nokia-owned Bell Labs Consulting to design its planned 5G Standalone (SA) network in the Philippines. As part of the plan, the telco will launch a pilot 5G network in parts of Metro Manila backed by its previously announced funding agreement with the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). Work on the project will begin next month the vendor said, with the proof of concept (POC) slated to be carried out in July 2023. In addition, Nokia will help NOW Telecom secure funding for the 5G SA rollout as the latter seeks to launch fixed wireless access (FWA) and enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) 5G services by 2024.