Telefónica Germany Extends 5‑Year RAN Deal with Nokia to Accelerate 5G Expansion

TEF
November 26, 2025

Telefónica Germany has extended its five‑year radio access network (RAN) partnership with Nokia, committing to deploy Nokia’s Cloud RAN, AirScale Radio Access Network portfolio, and AI‑powered network management solutions over the next five years. The agreement includes the installation of AirScale Massive MIMO radios for the n78 spectrum, Pandion multi‑band remote radio heads, and AirScale small‑cell solutions, along with baseband processing and network optimisation services.

The extension deepens a strategic partnership that has already delivered significant 5G coverage gains for Telefónica Germany. By securing Nokia’s advanced RAN technology, Telefónica positions itself to accelerate nationwide 5G rollout, improve indoor connectivity, and enhance operational efficiency. The deal also aligns with Germany’s regulatory push to diversify network equipment away from Chinese vendors, giving Nokia a stronger foothold in the German market.

Nokia will supply its MantaRay NM AI‑powered network management platform, which is designed to drive the operator toward automation level 4—highly automated networks with minimal human intervention. The platform will enable real‑time optimisation of radio resources, predictive maintenance, and energy‑efficient operation, supporting Telefónica’s goal of reducing network operating costs while maintaining service quality.

Telefónica’s 5G strategy has already achieved 98 % population coverage, and the new Nokia partnership will help sustain that momentum. The focus on AI and automation is expected to lower energy consumption, a key sustainability objective for the operator, and to improve the reliability of 5G services for industrial and consumer customers.

Nokia CEO Justin Hotard said the extension would strengthen Telefónica’s performance, efficiency, and customer experience across its 5G network, positioning the operator for long‑term competitiveness as the AI supercycle takes hold. Matthias Sauder, director of networks at O2 Telefónica, added that the deal reflects a shared commitment to advancing 5G technology and creating a more connected and sustainable Germany.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but the partnership signals a continued investment in next‑generation infrastructure and a commitment to delivering premium customer experiences in a highly competitive market.

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