Press Release
25 February 2019
Barcelona, Spain - Nokia today announced at MWC 2019 that it is joining Facebook's Express Wi-Fi Technology Partner
ecosystem, expanding its participation in Facebook Connectivity's initiatives. The Nokia AirScale Wi-Fi platform will be available to
CSPs and ISPs that are participating in Facebook's Express Wi-Fi initiative, enabling them to provide quality internet access to
customers in emerging markets. First deployments are expected to occur in 2019.
Approximately 3.8 billion people worldwide don't have access to internet connectivity. Nokia is already collaborating with
Facebook Connectivity to help develop technologies for Terragraph, Open Cellular, Open Transport Networks, and rural access.
With today's announcement, Nokia becomes an Express Wi-Fi Technology Partner, joining the Facebook partner ecosystem program
that allows network equipment manufacturers to build network hardware and software that is compatible with Express Wi-Fi. Nokia
will provide its carrier-grade AirScale Wi-Fi platform with a cloud-based Wi-Fi controller and multiple plug-n-play Wi-Fi access
point products and modules. The Nokia AirScale Wi-Fi platform makes gigabit Wi-Fi simple to deploy and enables service providers
without licensed spectrum to deliver a mobile-like customer experience.
Express Wi-Fi is a platform that enables service providers and mobile network operators to build, operate, grow, and monetize
internet access over Wi-Fi in a sustainable and scalable way. Through this program, service providers and operators partner with
local communities and local entrepreneurs to extend Wi-Fi coverage, providing people with fast, affordable, and reliable access to
the internet over Wi-Fi. Today, the Express Wi-Fi program is available in Ghana, India, Nigeria, Kenya, Philippines, South Africa,
Tanzania and Indonesia.
Dan Rabinovitsj, Vice President of Facebook Connectivity, said: "We are especially pleased to welcome Nokia into our
Express Wi-Fi Technology Partner program, as they are a much-valued technical partner in our Facebook Connectivity initiatives. The
AirScale portfolio of Wi-Fi products will be a strong addition to the program and will help to bring affordable Wi-Fi solutions to
emerging markets."
Kathrin Buvac, President of Nokia Enterprise and Chief Strategy Officer, said: "We share Facebook's
commitment to bring connectivity to the many people of our world who, for reasons of affordability or lack of infrastructure, have
no access to internet services. We are pleased to add our AirScale Wi-Fi platform to the Express Wi-Fi Technology Partner program
and look forward to further collaborations with Facebook and its partners to create innovative technologies that help people
connect."
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About Nokia
We create the technology to connect the world. We develop and deliver the industry's only end-to-end portfolio of network
equipment, software, services and licensing that is available globally. Our customers include communications service providers
whose combined networks support 5.7 billion subscriptions, as well as enterprises in the private and public sector that use our
network portfolio to increase productivity and enrich lives.
Through our research teams, including the world-renowned Nokia Bell Labs, we are leading the world to adopt end-to-end 5G
networks that are faster, more secure and capable of revolutionizing lives, economies and societies. Nokia adheres to the highest
ethical business standards as we create technology with social purpose, quality and integrity.
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