Former rubber boot maker Nokia has successfully trialled a new solution that enables Android smartphone users to purchase and activate network slices on-demand from their operator.
The solution enables operators to monetise 5G slicing services, for example, by offering premium network slices that can be purchased in selected areas based on customer demand.
The trial took place at Nokia’s network slicing development centre in Tampere, Finland, using Nokia’s end-to-end slicing product portfolio, including its IMPACT entitlement and policy control servers and UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) technology implemented in Android 14.
The standard-compliant IMPACT entitlement server verifies the network slice service availability, promotes service packages for the end user, and sends purchased service options to the operator Business Support System (BSS), which activates the selected dynamic network slice policy for the user using URSP. The trial included slice interworking functionality between 4G and 5G, as well as dynamic radio resource allocation for different slices.
These new capabilities enhance the customer experience by allowing network slices to be tailored to support specific use cases and different kinds of applications based on network performance, quality, traffic routing, latency, and security.
This means a gamer could activate a new slice using local cloud gaming applications with an enhanced network performance, low latency, and edge slicing. Or sports event attendees could activate a 5G streaming slice to get fast access to video replays of event highlights, additional content, and insights related to their favourite athletes and teams. On-demand slices can also be enabled in the base stations serving concert arena.
Nokia Mobile Networks, Head of Strategy and Technology Ari Kynäslahti said: “This trial of the on-demand slicing solution for Android smartphone users is yet another step in our desire to support new monetization opportunities for our operator partners. For mobile operators, slicing unlocks new 5G business opportunities with an opportunity to provide premium services and enhanced customer experience.”
