SEOUL, Korea – September 29, 2020 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced an agreement to collaborate with Microsoft on an end-to-end, cloud-based private 5G network solution. As a part of this collaboration, the two companies plan to advance the virtualization of 5G solutions, which will include the deployment of Samsung’s virtualized RAN, virtualized Core, and Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) technologies on Microsoft Azure.
 
A key goal of the collaboration is to drive innovation that lowers the barrier to entry for deployment of private 5G networks in enterprises—including retail stores, smart factories, and entertainment venues, such as stadiums. Through a cloud-based approach to the market, the companies aim to achieve greater cost efficiencies in 5G deployments.
 
Full Virtualization: The Key to Accelerating Private 5G Networks
The collaboration highlights key benefits of cloud networks, which can accelerate 5G expansion for enterprises, and help them deploy private 5G networks faster. Implementing fully-virtualized 5G solutions on a cloud platform also enables vast improvements in the scalability and flexibility of networks for mobile operators and enterprises.
 
“We’re excited to be working with Microsoft to help enterprises transform the way they operate through next-generation communications,” said Wonil Roh, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Product Strategy, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics. “Combining Samsung’s virtualized 5G solutions and Microsoft Azure cloud, we look forward to delivering a best-in-class 5G solution that advances opportunities in the private network sector. Through this collaboration, we will continue to push the boundaries of innovation in 5G and beyond.”
 
“Microsoft is pleased to work with Samsung to accelerate the deployment of 5G networks in enterprises. The combination of Microsoft Azure and Samsung’s virtualized 5G offerings will enable new solutions and lower the barriers to entry for private 5G networks for our mutual customers across retail, manufacturing, entertainment and many other industries,” said Yousef Khalidi, Corporate Vice President, Azure for Operators, Microsoft Corp.
 
Samsung is a pioneer in the successful delivery of 5G end-to-end solutions ranging from chipset, radio, and core network. The company has been supporting 5G commercial services in leading markets, including Korea and the U.S., where the majority of the worldwide 5G subscribers are currently located, and it is supporting the expansion of 5G in Japan. In addition, the company is rapidly expanding its global footprint to new markets including Canada and New Zealand.