Altice Portugal picks Nokia for 5G core network

Nos SGPS SA

12/04/2023 17:18

LISBON, April 12 (Reuters) - Altice Portugal, the
country's largest telecoms company, has picked Nokia  NOKIA.HE 
as equipment provider for its 5G core mobile network, citing
"greater levels of security" it hopes to achieve through the
tie-up with the Finnish company.
    The announcement on Wednesday ends Chinese technology giant
Huawei's efforts to enter that market segment in Portugal
despite European concerns that Chinese involvement in critical
infrastructure could compromise security. 
    Reuters has previously reported that Portugal's three main
telecoms players - Altice, NOS  NOS.LS  and Vodafone  VOD.L  -
would not use Huawei's 5G network technology even though there
is no official ban in Portugal.
    Altice Portugal said it had established a strategic
partnership with Nokia, which will be responsible for
development of its standalone core 5G network including
transition to a cloud-based network.
    It said the standalone 5G core network will make it possible
to deliver more innovative mobile services and "will also
provide greater levels of security, using strengthened
encryption algorithms for increased privacy".
    The services to be delivered by the new high-performance 5G
core network will guarantee nationwide coverage, aimed at
meeting the critical communications needs of industries, public
bodies, cities and companies, the company added.
    Portugal's existing 5G networks are not standalone and are
still largely based on 4G technology, with the exception of the
antennas. 
    Altice Portugal said its current 5G network covers 90% of
the population.
    

 (Reporting by Sergio Goncalves
Editing by David Goodman)
 ((sergio.goncalves@thomsonreuters.com; +351213509204; Reuters
Messaging: sergio.goncalves.reuters.com@reuters.net))