In a significant move for the private 5G sector, Nokia has appointed Andorix, a specialist in real estate communications in the US, to distribute its private 5G and neutral host solutions across commercial, retail, and residential properties. This strategic partnership reflects an evolving landscape where private 5G is increasingly integrated into non-industrial environments.
Traditionally, the focus of the market, particularly for Nokia, has been on industrial applications. Yet, as private 4G and 5G solutions become more cost-effective and easier to implement, there is a notable shift towards incorporating these technologies across a variety of enterprise spaces. Additionally, neutral host systems are emerging as an alternative or gateway to private cellular networks. Industry giants like Ericsson and Celona are at the forefront of this push, alongside operator partners such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
Andorix brands itself as a neutral host network provider and smart building systems integrator. It will also market Nokia’s operational technology applications, focusing on space monitoring, energy management, and building automation within its MXIE edge server setup. These solutions, offered through its Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) network, will address critical issues like unreliable connectivity and heightened security requirements within real estate environments across the United States and Canada.
The goal is to deliver scalable in-building converged networks, incorporating solutions for VR and IoT while managing the projects for clients. Their target includes commercial, retail, residential, and industrial properties. Nokia reports that it has established private wireless networks for approximately 890 clients worldwide, with about 24% based in North America.
Willie Kopp, the head of enterprise campus edge sales at Nokia in North America, underscored the strategic importance of this move, stating, “Private 5G networks are transforming how enterprises operate, and in-building connectivity is a critical piece of that puzzle.”
Similarly, Wayne Kim, the founding partner and CEO of Andorix, emphasized the impact of their collaboration, noting, “With our track record of modernizing in-building network infrastructure across major commercial real estate properties, this partnership will solve some of the challenges faced by the real estate sector in terms of inconsistent connectivity, support for massive IoT deployments within complex or high-value built environments, growing security demands, and enabling immersive technologies like VR and indoor navigation.”