Nokia Secures 5G Expansion Deal with Telecom Italia

Nokia and Telecom Italia (TIM) have signed a rolling three-year agreement for the supply and deployment of 5G network equipment across new and existing territories in Italy. Following a competitive selection process, the partnership extends Nokia’s reach in the country as TIM aims to boost digital infrastructure while working towards reducing Italy’s digital gap. The agreement highlights the companies’ intention to deliver faster broadband to underserved areas, supporting small towns and rural communities.

Pietro Labriola, Chief Executive Officer at TIM, describes the collaboration with Nokia as an opportunity to reinforce TIM’s leadership in 5G development and network modernisation.

“This partnership strengthens TIM’s leadership in building the next generation of 5G networks, enabling faster, smarter and more sustainable connectivity across Italy,” he states.

"By combining innovation and efficiency, we are creating the digital infrastructure that will bridge the divide, accelerate industrial transformation and support the country’s sustainable growth.” 

According to TIM, Nokia’s advanced network technology will enhance coverage, meet enterprise needs and position the group firmly for changing demands.

Nokia AirScale 5G and ReefShark introduced to TIM’s network

Through the agreement, Nokia will deliver products from its AirScale Radio Access Network (RAN) suite, specific to the requirements of TIM’s ongoing and new deployment scenarios. They include the company’s Habrok 32 Massive MIMO radios and Pandion multi-band remote radio heads, which enable flexible coverage and capacity optimisation.

Additionally, the supply will feature baseband cards such as Lodos, engineered for high 4G/5G scalability and lower energy requirements. The integration of Nokia’s ReefShark System-on-Chip technology will support improvements in energy and operational efficiency throughout TIM’s infrastructure.

Pietro notes that the new network technology is central to TIM’s sustainability ambitions.

As TIM continues to digitalise business and consumer services, the deal’s technical specifications support environmental targets by balancing coverage with operational resource management.

The planned infrastructure upgrades aim to provide fast and reliable connectivity for both business and residential needs across Italy’s regions.

AI automation capabilities extended through MantaRay SON rollout

The contract includes service and deployment elements that will expand Nokia’s MantaRay Self-Organising Network (SON) solution within TIM’s operations. MantaRay SON uses embedded artificial intelligence algorithms to optimise network functions and support automation at scale.

TIM expects these features to enhance resource efficiency, improve user experience and enable adaptive performance tuning.

Pietro affirms that AI now plays a crucial role in meeting the growing demands for network complexity and quality.

In line with the, Nokia will provide tailored support and maintenance services that further TIM’s goals around network resilience and service safety.

Justin Hotard, Nokia’s President and Chief Executive Officer, comments: “Our expanded partnership with Telecom Italia shows how a trusted 5G network can unlock Italy’s next phase of digital transformation.

"With our AirScale solution, we’re helping TIM extend coverage and build a foundation for new AI-driven services. Together, we’re connecting intelligence and strengthening Italy’s competitiveness.”

The agreement takes effect as both operators look to position their networks for enterprise and consumer digitalisation.

The selection of the AI-ready, energy-conscious AirScale suite reflects a broader shift by European telecom groups to leverage next-generation wireless technology for operational targets and enhanced end-user service.