Nokia announced that it has trialed a new solution that enables Android smartphone users to purchase and activate network slices on-demand from their operator. The move, which will be available to Android 14 users, will allow end users to enhance their experience across a wide range of applications such as gaming, streaming, broadcasting, and social media. The solution enables operators to monetise 5G slicing services, for example, by offering network slices that can be purchased in selected areas based on customer demand.
The trial took place at Nokia’s network slicing development centre in Tampere, Finland utilising Nokia’s end-to-end slicing product portfolio, including its IMPACT (Integrated Manufacturing Precision Assembly Cellular Technology) entitlement and policy control servers and UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) technology implemented in Android 14. The standard-compliant IMPACT entitlement server verifies the network slice service availability, promotes service packages for the end user, and sends purchased service options to the operator business support system (BSS), which activates the selected dynamic network slice policy for the user using URSP. The trial included slice interworking functionality between 4G and 5G, as well as dynamic radio resource allocation for different slices.
These new capabilities enhance the customer experience by allowing network slices to be tailored to support specific use cases and different kinds of applications based on network performance, quality, traffic routing, latency, and security. For example, a gamer could activate a new slice using local cloud gaming applications with an enhanced network performance, low latency, and edge slicing. Or sports event attendees could activate a 5G streaming slice to get fast access to video replays of event highlights, additional content, and insights related to their favorite athletes and teams. On-demand slices can also be enabled in the base stations serving concert arena.
Nokia is the industry skilled in 4G and 5G network slicing and was to implement 5G network slicing across Device-RAN-Transport-Core-Applications with management and assurance. Nokia’s network slicing solution supports all 4G and 5G devices, enabling mobile operators to utilise a huge device ecosystem as well as existing network assets such as spectrums and coverage.
Nokia has carried out several live network deployments and trials with its global customer base including first-in-the-market slicing solutions such as network slicing for 5G virtual private networks, fixed wireless access slicing, edge slicing, slicing for applications, and sliced private wireless as well as slice management automation, assurance and orchestration.
Ari Kynaslahti, head of strategy and technology at Nokia Mobile Networks, says, “This trial of the on-demand slicing solution for Android smartphone users is yet another step in our desire to support new monetisation opportunities for our operator partners. For mobile operators, slicing unlocks new 5G business opportunities with an opportunity to provide premium services and enhanced customer experience.”
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