Nokia Extends Collaboration with Orange to Upgrade Microwave Backhaul Network for 5G Expansion

Bianca Patrick
3 min readMay 17, 2023

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Nokia, a leading telecommunications equipment company, has recently announced an extension of its collaboration with French operator Orange to enhance its microwave backhaul network. This upgrade aims to support Orange as it expands its 5G networks across the country. In a joint trial, Nokia’s advanced microwave technology successfully achieved a high-capacity link over a distance of nearly four kilometers, demonstrating the potential of microwave carrier aggregation techniques. Alongside its Wavence microwave portfolio, Nokia will also provide Orange France with products and services from its AirScale 5G radio access portfolio, network management solutions, and associated professional services.

Nokia’s Successful Joint Trial with Orange

In a collaborative effort, Nokia and Orange conducted a trial utilizing Nokia’s latest high-power E-Band microwave and traditional microwave frequency products. By combining carriers from two microwave radios operating in the 18 GHz band with two E-Band microwave radios operating at 80 GHz, Nokia achieved an impressive throughput of 20 Gbps over a distance of 3.6 km. This milestone was made possible by utilizing a single dual-band (18+80 GHz) antenna. The trial successfully showcased the effectiveness of microwave carrier aggregation techniques in supporting high-capacity file transfer over long distances.

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Nokia’s Wavence Portfolio for 5G Networks

Nokia’s Wavence portfolio offers high-capacity microwave transceivers designed to support operators in building out their 5G networks. By leveraging the capabilities of this portfolio, Orange France can deliver high-capacity services and superior experiences to its customers across extensive distances. As the demand for 5G increases, Nokia’s Wavence microwave technology ensures reliable and efficient transmission of data, playing a crucial role in extending the reach of 5G networks.

Orange’s 5G Expansion in France

Orange has been making significant strides in expanding its 5G network across France. With coverage already provided to 38% of the population in metropolitan areas, Orange has deployed 5G in nearly 900 municipalities nationwide. Some of the initial cities benefiting from Orange’s 5G network include Marseille, Nice, Le Mans, and Angers. The collaboration with Nokia reinforces Orange’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge 5G services throughout the country.

France’s Growing 5G Infrastructure

According to France’s spectrum agency ANFR, there were 4,850 operational 5G base stations across the country as of September. The report also indicates that France had a total of 36,868 authorized 5G sites as of October 1. This number represents a 1.5% increase compared to the previous month, highlighting the continuous expansion of 5G infrastructure in the country. With mobile carriers utilizing spectrum in the 700 MHz, 2.1 GHz, and 3.5 GHz bands, France is making significant progress in providing widespread 5G services to its citizens.

Sum-Up

The collaboration between Nokia and Orange represents a significant step forward in advancing 5G networks. Through successful trials and the utilization of advanced microwave technology, Nokia is empowering Orange to enhance its microwave backhaul network for efficient file transfer and high-capacity services. With the integration of Nokia’s Wavence portfolio and AirScale 5G radio access solutions, Orange can deliver superior 5G experiences to its customers. As Orange continues its nationwide 5G expansion, this collaboration reinforces Nokia’s commitment to driving innovation in microwave technology and supporting the growth of robust and reliable 5G networks.

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Bianca Patrick
Bianca Patrick

Written by Bianca Patrick

Bianca is a content creator & a passionate blogger. She is a professional tech blogger & an avid reader. She loves to explore topics related to tech.

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