August 1 marked a momentous day in Georgia’s telecommunications landscape as Cellfie Mobile, a leading Georgian mobile operator with 1.45 million customers, announced a significant collaboration with Nokia, the world’s technology powerhouse. The partnership entails the renewal and modernization of the existing 4G network and the introduction of cutting-edge 5G technology across the country. This landmark agreement promises to provide high-quality internet, seamless coverage, and enhanced mobile capabilities for Georgian customers.
“This deal provides a significant improvement in the quality of the network, which our customers have been waiting for,” says Vasil Berishvili, CEO of Cellfie Mobile.
“As a result of the agreement signed today, the quality of coverage will be significantly improved, customers will have high internet speed throughout the country, and the network capacity will be adapted to the growing demand for data traffic. This agreement is also a preparation for the development of the 5G network. Our long-term partnership with Nokia and the company’s strong network equipment portfolio made it easy for us to decide to deepen cooperation with Nokia.”
Cellfie Mobile’s ambitious vision for a future-proof network led them to ink this critical deal with Nokia. The agreement focuses on deploying Nokia’s state-of-the-art 5G AirScale portfolio, featuring the energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip (SoC) technology. The upgrade will involve the modernization of existing base stations and the construction of new ones, all specially designed to accommodate 5G technology.
Nokia’s intelligent MantaRay network management system is also part of this collaboration. With advanced AI functionality, the system will streamline network operations, ensuring optimal performance, and improved monitoring capabilities. This forward-thinking approach will empower Cellfie Mobile to deliver a superior user experience and cater to the ever-increasing demand for data traffic.
With the conclusion of the network auction, Nokia will introduce new 5G (3.5 GHz) base stations throughout Georgia. This move will position Cellfie Mobile as a pioneer in providing advanced 5G services to its customers. 5G technology is poised to revolutionize the way Georgians experience mobile communication, offering lightning-fast internet speeds and enhanced connectivity across the country.
Cellfie Mobile users can look forward to a transformative experience as the implementation of these upgrades begins in November 2023. High-quality communication, fast internet speeds, and seamless broadband coverage will become the norm for customers. This will empower Georgian businesses, students, and individuals with unprecedented access to data and opportunities for innovation.
The collaboration between Cellfie Mobile and Nokia is a testament to CBS Group’s unwavering commitment to providing the best mobile connection in the country. The group has prioritized investments in network stability, quality, and reliability, culminating in the formation of Cellfie Mobile as a fully Georgian mobile operator and a new Georgian brand.
“Today is another clear example of CBS Group delivering on its promise,” notes Tamar Gakharia, financial director of CBS Group. “At the launch of the new brand in April, we told Cellfie’s 1.45 million customers that CBS would invest this year in improving the sustainability, quality, and reliability of Cellfie’s network. Within the framework of the same investment strategy, one of the largest deals in the Georgian market has already been concluded, as a result of which, in the form of Cellfie, a fully Georgian mobile operator was formed. Now, with the prospect of future development of 5G technology, CBS Group continues to work to provide the best mobile connectivity in the country. Right now, it is impossible to say exactly how much money will be invested in this project, although it is set to be several tens of millions of dollars.”
The partnership between Cellfie Mobile and Nokia is not only groundbreaking for Georgia’s mobile sector but also a reflection of a longstanding relationship between the two companies. Nokia, as an important and trusted client, is proud to deepen its collaboration with Cellfie Mobile to bring the benefits of 5G technology to Georgian users.
“Cellfie Mobile is an important and long-standing client for us,” says Demetrio Russo, Nokia’s vice president for Turkey and Central Asia. “We are proud to have the opportunity to further deepen our long-term partnership with the company, both by enhancing its existing network portfolio and by laying the groundwork for its 5G network deployment. We look forward to the completion of the project and the positive impact it will have on Cellfie users.”
As the world embraces the era of 5G technology, Cellfie Mobile’s partnership with Nokia signals a remarkable leap forward for Georgia’s mobile network infrastructure. With cutting-edge technology and advanced AI-driven network management, Cellfie Mobile is ready to provide a seamless, high-speed, and reliable mobile experience to millions of Georgians. The future of mobile communication in Georgia looks bright, and this collaboration stands as a shining example of progress and innovation in the telecommunications industry.
By Mariam Gorkhelashvili
