The announcement extends the pair’s relationship and DT will pilot some core functions on Google Cloud’s platform in Austria
Google Cloud appears to be extending its lead as European operators’ preferred hyperscaler partner. Deutsche Telekom (DT), Europe’s largest telco by a country mile with operating companies across the continent as well as in the US, is looking to Google Cloud to host elements of its mobile core and for data analytics support.
It has already expanded its activities with Google Cloud this year – for messaging, sovereign cloud hosting and streaming TV services – back in January. This time though, the relationship is moving into more fundamental operations, starting with a pilot project with a 5G Standalone core for its subsidiary Magenta Telekom in Austria on Google Distributed Cloud Edge. Hardware and software will be deployed at edge locations that include some of DT’s own.
Also, DT will try out remote packet gateway functions, also known as edge routing, on Google Distributed Cloud Edge. Google launched its Distributed Cloud solutions in October 2021 with telcos in mind. They are designed to run 5G network functions as well as enterprise applications closer to users.
Accessing analytics
Like Vodafone Group before it, DT is also looking to Google Cloud for its data analytics nous for better network management and to buff up the processes involved in its customer relationships.
According to the press statement, “Deutsche Telekom will pilot several use cases regarding anomaly detection, performance counter, and trace data in a first step in utilising data-driven operations and automated workflows with open, Kubernetes-based solutions offered by Google Cloud.”
The move is all part of the German telco giant’s shift towards a more cloud-oriented and collaborative way of working to accelerate processes and increase operational efficiency.
Claudia Nemat (pictured), Executive Board Member Technology & Innovation at DT, said, “We are implementing our Leading Digital Telco strategy by investing in best-in-class network infrastructure and by establishing cloud-based service platforms.
“We are excited to expand our partnership with Google Cloud by conducting trials in key areas that will allow us to more rapidly innovate and launch new services and customer experiences.”
DT’s T-Systems teamed up with Google Cloud to build and deliver sovereign cloud services to German public sector, enterprises, and healthcare firms in autumn 2021. The first joint solution is available to T-System’s customers.
This year Google Cloud announced partnerships with Bell Canada, BT, Elisa and Ooredoo Group.
Airtel, Bell Canada, DT, Elisa, Jio, KT, Orange, Rakuten Mobile, Telefónica, TIM, TELUS, Virgin Media O2, Windtre, Verizon and Vodafone have also joined the Nephio initiative, which was formed “in partnership with Google”. This “open-source project aims to deliver carrier-grade, Kubernetes-based, cloud-native, intent automation and common automation templates for multi-vendor clouds and at the edge”.