Nokia is replacing Huawei at DT sites in Germany

Previously, Nokia covered approximately one-third of Deutsche Telekom’s RAN sites until 2018, when its technology was replaced by Ericsson’s Open RAN. Now, Deutsche Telekom plans to introduce Open RAN technology to 3,000 sites currently occupied by Huawei.

The reason behind DT’s decision lies in Huawei’s refusal to join the O-RAN Alliance, the telco-led group responsible for Open RAN specifications, and its rejection of open and virtual RAN architecture as suboptimal. Additionally, the German government has proposed that providers reduce their exposure to high-risk vendors like Huawei and ZTE by October 2026. A formal ban on the use of Huawei equipment remains a possibility in Europe’s largest economy.

Nokia’s decision to develop products compatible with various Open RAN technologies, unlike some competitors, has proven to be the right choice. It presents an opportunity for the company to advance through Open RAN.

DT has designated Nokia as the primary supplier by the end of 2023, and the Finns are now transitioning into sites currently occupied by Huawei. This move signals Nokia’s re-entry into the Deutsche Telekom footprint, potentially securing the company a larger role in the future.

Nokia’s share of the 5G market outside China has increased from 23% to 29% in the last two years, and its overall RAN share excluding China has risen from approximately 23% to 27% over a similar period.

 

Read more about this at lightreading.com.