Three UK claims 5G-ready cloud core first ahead of August launch

Even though it won’t be flicking the 5G switch until next month, Three UK has decided to bang on about its new virtualized core once more.

We first heard about this whizzy new core, that has been built in partnership with Nokia, back in February. At the time we assumed that would be the last we’d hear about it until the formal launch of Three UK’s 5G network, but Three seems to think we need just one more teaser first.

So, once more for those at the back, this is all about actually using this virtualization tech we’ve been hearing about for so long to make a secure, scalable, flexible core that is capable of fully delivering the 5G dream. It will be housed in 20 dedicated data centres scattered around the country to deliver edge computing benefits such as lower latency. This is also a good case study for Nokia to show how good it is at this sort of thing.

“Our new core network is part of a series of connected investments, totalling £2 billion, that will provide a significant step change in our customers’ experience,” said Dave Dyson CEO of Three UK. “UK consumers have an insatiable appetite for data as well as an expectation of high reliability.  We are well positioned to deliver both as we prepare for the launch of the UK’s fastest 5G network.”

“This is an exciting time for both Nokia and Three UK, as together we work towards the future of telecommunications networks,” said Bhaskar Gorti, President of Nokia Software. “This project delivers a joint vision that has been forged from the catalyst of Three’s strategy for complete business transformation. The project will deliver a flexible 5G core network, enabling the next generation of mobile services and cementing Three UK as a true leader of 5G in the UK.”

Three was careful to give shout-outs to some of its other partners in this project, which include Affirmed Networks for traffic management, Mavenir for messaging and Exfo, Mycom and BMC for OSS. Not only will this core network be central to Three UK’s strategy for the next decade, it will also provide a good live test of the kinds of technology everyone will be reliant upon before long. No pressure then, see you in August.