The deal will reportedly cover the supply of radio system technology for the 450 MHz network, including the central technology, radio stations, microwave radio links for the backhaul network, and power back-up systems.
In March 2021, 450connect was awarded the 450 MHz frequencies until 2040 by the German Federal Network Agency. By using Nokia LTE450 technology, the Finnish company will manage the supply and performance of all LTE components on the frequencies, including maintenance services, until 2040.
According to Nokia, the industrial-grade private LTE / LTE-M solution is optimised for M2M applications and critical voice communications. Combined with 450connect’s new Germany-wide LTE450 radio network, operators of critical infrastructures will have a secure platform to digitalise infrastructure, implement the energy transition to decarbonisation and further secure the energy supply.
Carsten Ullrich, CEO of 450connect, says: “In view of the major challenges involved in setting up the 450 MHz platform, we are pleased to have Nokia as a strong and capable partner at our side for the long-term, with whom we can meet the high technical requirements of our customers as operators of critical infrastructures.”
Initial end-to-end tests are set to take place in the field by mid-2022 with radio services to be offered in the first regions of Germany in 2023 and a nationwide rollout planned for 2025.
Dirk Lewandowski, vice president at Nokia Enterprise, added: “The task of digitalization of Germany’s critical infrastructure is of enormous strategic importance.
“Nokia can make an important contribution to securing this country’s energy supply with our industrial-grade 450 MHz private LTE network, especially considering the challenges posed by the energy transition to decarbonization and decentralization. We look forward to a trusting and close cooperation with 450connect on this long-term and important project for the Federal Republic of Germany.”
The Nokia solution includes geo-redundant LTE cores, RAN network, Nokia Wavence microwave radio backhaul, management solution and installation, commissioning, integration, training and support services. In addition, 20 years of lifecycle network management of this critical network will be provided by Nokia.
Last year Nokia reached an agreement with Danish operator Cibicom to provide a new, country-wide, mission-critical 450MHz LTE network for essential services suppliers.
