O2 to Transfer 1 Million 5G Users to Amazon Web Services Cloud
Telefónica's German Unit O2 to Move 1 Million 5G Users to Amazon Web Services Cloud
Telefónica's German unit, O2, is preparing to transfer 1 million 5G users to Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud this month, making it the first 5G core network migration from an existing network operator to the cloud. Nokia will provide the software, and AWS's cloud unit will offer the infrastructure for this migration. Although the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, AWS anticipates more such partnerships in the near future. Mallik Rao, the CTO at O2 Telefónica, has outlined plans to move 30-40% of the customer base to the cloud-based 5G network by 2025-2026, following Dish's 2021 move to build the first cloud-native 5G network from scratch using AWS.
Key Takeaways
- Telefónica's German unit to move 1M 5G users to Amazon Web Services cloud.
- Nokia software and Amazon infrastructure to be utilized for the migration.
- O2 Telefónica aims for complete automation and flexibility at scale with 5G cloud core network on AWS.
- AWS plans to secure more deals for running telco workloads in the near future.
- O2 Telefónica's CTO targets moving 30-40% of customer base to cloud-based 5G network by 2025-2026.
Analysis
The 5G core network migration to AWS by Telefónica's German unit, O2, represents a significant shift towards cloud-based telecom services. The utilization of Nokia's software and AWS's infrastructure underlines the industry's drive for automation and flexibility, aiming to transition 30-40% of O2's customer base to the cloud-based 5G network by 2025-2026. This development could potentially prompt other network operators to consider similar migrations and strengthen AWS's position in the telco cloud market, fostering competition. Short-term effects may include adjustments in service offerings from affected operators, while in the long run, this move could redefine network infrastructure and service delivery in the telecom industry.
Did You Know?
- 5G Core Network Migration: This process involves relocating the core network functions of a 5G network from traditional on-premises infrastructure to a cloud-based infrastructure, offering greater flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency.
- Cloud-Native 5G Network: A network designed from the ground up to operate on cloud infrastructure, employing microservices for independent deployment, scaling, and management to achieve greater agility and innovation.
- Telco Workloads: Applications specific to the telecommunications industry, such as radio access network (RAN) functions, core network functions, and application functions, running on public cloud infrastructure to enhance flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency.