Deutsche Telekom will trial Google Cloud’s data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solutions
German carrier Deutsche Telekom and Google Cloud announced a new expanded partnership to define a joint roadmap for bringing cloud products and services closer to mobile and connected devices at the edge of Deutsche Telekom’s network.
The first step of this expanded partnership between Deutsche Telekom and Google Cloud will focus on the following areas:
-Core Network Services: Deutsche Telekom and Google Cloud will jointly pilot several network services such as 5G Standalone in Austria, as well as remote packet gateway functions.
-Network Analytics: Deutsche Telekom will pilot several use cases regarding anomaly detection, performance counter, and trace data in a first step in utilizing data-driven operations and automated workflows with open, Kubernetes-based solutions offered by Google Cloud.
-Customer Experience Analytics: Deutsche Telekom will trial Google Cloud’s data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solutions in a joint proof of concept in order to improve actionable insights and better understanding of customer needs and optimize offerings.
“At Deutsche Telekom we are implementing our Leading Digital Telco strategy by investing in best-in-class network infrastructure and by establishing cloud-based service platforms,” said Claudia Nemat, board member of Deutsche Telekom. “We are excited to expand our partnership with Google Cloud by conducting trials in key areas that will allow us to more rapidly innovate and launch new services and customer experiences.”
“Communication service providers are increasingly looking for cloud-native solutions to advance the deployment of network functions and drive automation, elasticity, and scalability,” said Thomas Kurian, CEO, Google Cloud. “We believe our partnership with Deutsche Telekom will deliver significantly improved experiences for end users that will ultimately raise the standard for the telecommunications industry.”
Last month, Deutsche Telekom said it was already using spectrum in the 700 MHz range for the provision of 5G for the first time.
The telco added that more than 3,000 antennas in about 1,100 locations are currently transmitting 5G via 700 MHz frequencies.
With this new addition, the telco is now offering 5G services via three different frequencies. In addition to the 700 MHz frequency, there are two other radio bands: 2.1 GHz and 3.6 GHz.
Nearly 92% of households in Germany can already access Deutsche Telekom’s 5G network, while LTE household coverage is now 99%, the carrier said.
Deutsche Telekom has said that over 67,000 antennas are already transmitting 5G across the country. On the 3.6 GHz band, 5G is available in more than 400 cities and towns. Deutsche Telekom reported that over 5,000 antennas are now compatible with Standalone (SA) 5G in the 3.6 GHz band.
The telco kicked off the rollout of its 5G network in a limited number of cities across Germany at the beginning of July 2019.
