Press Release

Nokia and StarHub conduct first live 5G non-standalone network trial in Singapore
             

• Nokia and StarHub conduct South East Asia’s first live 5G non-standalone network trial in Singapore, aimed towards delivering better user experience
• Higher data speeds will lead to enhanced digital experiences, including gaming, augmented reality and streaming services
• StarHub expects 5G NSA network coverage to reach 70% by September 2020

             
20 August 2020

Espoo, Finland – Nokia and Singapore-based operator StarHub are conducting South East Asia’s first live 5G non-standalone (NSA) network trial across Singapore, running until 16 February 2021. With StarHub as the first and early adopter of 5G services in Singapore, long-standing partners StarHub and Nokia have achieved another milestone.

By leveraging existing 4G infrastructure, the trial 5G network will allow StarHub to provide higher data bandwidth and reliable connectivity to its subscribers without a major infrastructure overhaul. The network utilizes Nokia’s end-to-end core and radio solutions, enabling the efficient use of spectrum to deliver 5G services.

The 5G NSA network will enable StarHub customers to enjoy early benefits of 5G, with enhanced coverage and performance to improve user experience at major residential and commercial hubs of Singapore. StarHub will progressively expand the 5G NSA network coverage and expects it to reach 70 percent by September 2020.  

This follows StarHub’s recent announcement that it has chosen Nokia as a preferred 5G technology partner for deploying mmWave solution and 5G Standalone (SA) Core network.

Chong Siew Loong, Chief Technology Officer of StarHub, said: “At StarHub, we are excited to be the first to offer customers in Singapore the 5G experience. We continue to develop and advance our Network towards SA 5G through close collaboration with our trusted partners. To help us evolve quickly and easily towards 5G NSA, we chose Nokia’s Single RAN portfolio as it brings new capabilities, improved network efficiency and end user experience. We look forward to harness the full potential of 5G for Singapore.”

Ngiam Ming Kin, Head of Singapore at Nokia, said: “This project marks the beginning of a new chapter in the long-established partnership between Nokia and StarHub. It will allow us to align with Singapore's Smart Nation vision to create a world-class 5G infrastructure. We are excited to continue supporting StarHub in its mission to make 5G services a reality and a success in Singapore.”

Details of the project, which spans core and software, include:

• Spectrum re-farming was implemented in 900MHz and 2100MHz for LTE anchor layer and 5G operation, respectively.
• Nokia NetAct is a central network management system with a proven track record covering StarHub’s multiple networks and technologies, such as 3G, 4G/LTE and now 5G, to reduce manual processes and enhance network quality.
• Nokia AirScale baseband was modernized to evolve StarHub’s network, deliver high-quality connectivity and coverage.

Resources

• Webpage : Nokia – Deploy extraordinary 5G networks
• Webpage : Nokia – End to end 5G technology

About StarHub

StarHub is a leading homegrown Singapore company that delivers world-class communications, entertainment and digital solutions. With our extensive fiber and wireless infrastructure and global partnerships, we bring to people, homes and enterprises quality mobile and fixed services, a broad suite of premium content, and a diverse range of communications solutions. We develop and deliver to corporate and government clients solutions incorporating artificial intelligence, cyber security, data analytics, Internet of Things and robotics. We are committed to conducting our business in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner. Launched in 2000 and listed on the Singapore Exchange mainboard since 2004, StarHub is a component stock of the SGX Sustainability Leaders Index and the SGX Sustainability Leaders Enhanced Index. Find us at www.starhub.com, or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

About Nokia

We create the technology to connect the world. Only Nokia offers a comprehensive portfolio of network equipment, software, services and licensing opportunities across the globe. With our commitment to innovation, driven by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, we are a leader in the development and deployment of 5G networks.

Our communications service provider customers support more than 6.4 billion subscriptions with our radio networks, and our enterprise customers have deployed over 1,300 industrial networks worldwide. Adhering to the highest ethical standards, we transform how people live, work and communicate. For our latest updates, please visit us online www.nokia.com  and follow us on Twitter @nokia.

Media Inquiries:

StarHub
Jason Chua
Phone: +65 9176 0886
Email: Jason.js.chua@starhub.com

Nokia
APAC Media Relations
Cordia So
Phone: +852 97475873
E-mail: cordia.so@nokia.com

Communications
Phone: +358 10 448 4900
Email: press.services@nokia.com