The company will use IBM intelligent automation software and services for the implementation of the cloud-native platform
Telefonica headquarters in Madrid, Spain. (Credit: Luis García (Zaqarbal)/Wikipedia)
Spanish telecommunications company Telefonica has partnered with IBM to deploy its first-ever cloud-native 5G core network platform.
As part of the partnership, the Spanish company will use IBM intelligent automation software and services for the implementation of the cloud-native platform, known as UNICA Next.
With the platform, Telefónica targets to acquire the agility and reliability that are required to continuously optimise its services.
It is also expected to allow continuous improvements in deployment and management, including enabling new services to enhance customer value.
IBM Global Business Services, Red Hat and Juniper networking have been engaged to deploy the cloud-native platform.
To be deployed across multiple central, regional, and distributed data centres offering low latency and high bandwidth, the 5G core network platform is expected to be a new open-standard open-networking technology compliant platform.
The installation of UNICA Next data centres is scheduled to begin in October this year.
IBM global communications sector managing director Steve Canepa said: “This implementation of Telefónica’s cloud-native, 5G core network platform reflects IBM’s significant investments in AI-powered automation software and the telco prime systems integration expertise required to deploy modern telecommunication networks – core, access, and edge.
“We are energised by the opportunity to enable Telefónica and all our clients to modernize their networks and enable new revenue-generating services that deliver tremendous value to consumer and enterprise customers.”
To provide streamlined end-to-end orchestration and operations, the new network is built on IBM Cloud Pak for Network Automation, Red Hat OpenShift, and Juniper Networks Apstra and QFX technology.
Pairing AI-powered automation software IBM Cloud Pak for Network Automation, which is designed to offer extreme automation and zero-touch provisioning, with UNICA Next is expected to enable intent-driven orchestration.
The integration is anticipated to support the end-to-end lifecycle management of different network cloud elements and network functions, including 5G core.
The partnership will enable Telefonica to rapidly deploy network services, by leveraging the IBM Cloud for Telecommunications partner ecosystem.
Last month, Verizon announced a partnership with IBM to create a testbed in Texas to develop and test innovative, 5G-enabled use cases for Industry 4.0 applications.