German telecommunications operator O2 Telefónica recently announced the successful deployment of its 5G core network on AWS Outposts, becoming the world's first provider to implement this technology at production scale. This deployment combines AWS's cloud computing capabilities with local data center control, aiming to enhance network resilience and operational efficiency.

O2 Telefónica leveraged AWS's machine learning services, such as the large language models in Amazon Bedrock, to automate complex 5G maintenance processes. By building AI agents based on Amazon Bedrock AgentCore, the company optimized core network operations, including incident ticketing and alert handling, and enhanced real-time network information to support seamless deployment in complex scenarios.

This deployment integrates Nokia's core network technology with AWS infrastructure, enabling O2 Telefónica to operate a resilient network that adapts to growing data demands and accelerates the delivery of new features. In 2024, O2 Telefónica launched its first Nokia-powered 5G cloud core network in an AWS Region, and now it has further achieved deployment on AWS Outposts in its own data centers, demonstrating the expansion of cloud-native hybrid architectures.

For customers, this 5G core network deployment brings a more robust connectivity experience. The cloud-native core network ensures reliable data management and service delivery, improving the performance of applications like streaming, mobile work, and gaming by shortening deployment cycles. O2 Telefónica also plans to migrate its virtualized IP Multimedia Subsystem to AWS and, together with partners, develop a continuous integration/continuous delivery automation framework to simplify operations and speed up updates.

Jan Hofmeyr, Vice President of Telecom at AWS, stated: "O2 Telefónica's deployment of the 5G core network on AWS Outposts demonstrates how telecom companies can leverage cloud capabilities while maintaining local control. As the world's first provider to operate a 5G core network at production scale, O2 Telefónica proves that the agility of cloud infrastructure can be combined with the low latency and data residency of on-premises deployments, giving operators the flexibility to modernize their networks to meet operational and regulatory needs. Through AWS's AI services and automation expertise, we support O2 Telefónica's vision of achieving a fully autonomous network."

Raghav Sahgal, President of Cloud and Network Services at Nokia, added: "This deployment with O2 Telefónica and AWS showcases how cloud-native 5G core networks can deliver scalability and speed of innovation. By integrating Nokia technology with AWS infrastructure, we are helping O2 Telefónica operate a resilient network that adapts to data demands and accelerates the delivery of features for its customers."