Tech giants Intel and Tech Mahindra have joined hands to build two 5G CoEs (Centres of Excellence) in Washington, USA and Banglore, India for communication service providers (CoSPs). As per the terms of the deal, both the tech giants will be helping service providers moderate their Capex on 5G migrations and accelerate new revenue-generating services.
According to Tech Mahindra, 5G networks will need data-service centric platforms to not only enhance connectivity but also empower stakeholders in the industry to use data for better decision making. They believe that 5G will require a change in the network’s anatomy to enable CoSPs to offer a wide range of digital service and SDN (Software Defined Network) is the foundation to establish this.
By partnering with Intel to build two CoEs, Tech Mahindra say that they will provide for new support and help accelerate the integration of new technologies into new architectures. They also claim that the CoEs will be set up at Tech Mahindra’s Intel-enabled VNF-Xchange Labs (Virtual Network Functions) and will focus on developing 5G virtualised radio access network (vRAN) solutions.
Speaking about the alliance, Manish Vyas, President, Communications, Media & Entertainment Business, and the CEO, Network Services, Tech Mahindra, explained:
We continue to build on our strategic partnership with Intel, collaborating to develop and co-create 5G solutions. 5G as an innovation platform will unlock unprecedented opportunities in every industry vertical.
With over 926 global customers including industry verticals like healthcare, manufacturing, banking, automotive, energy and more, we are poised to unlock new experiences for these industry verticals with 5G and simultaneously drive growth for CoSPs.
Intel are very excited about this deal and are looking forward to commencing operations at the CoEs. Caroline Chan, Vice President and General Manager, 5G infrastructure division, Data Center Group, Intel, commented:
We share a common vision with Tech Mahindra of enabling service providers around the world to accelerate the deployment of their 5G networks and roll out new services that are beneficial to our society.
By utilizing flexible platforms based on Intel architecture and technologies, Tech Mahindra is helping reduce the time to market for CoSPs and offering a broad choice of agile solutions for the 5G future.
It looks like tech behemoths are leaving no stone unturned with their 5G ambitions. This also includes AT&T who recently entered into a USD 3.5 billion deal with Nokia to consolidate 5G networks for customers.