Nokia, in collaboration with Ecuador’s national telecommunications operator Corporación Nacional de Telecomunicaciones E.P. has officially launched the country’s first commercial 5G network, representing a major milestone in Ecuador’s pursuit of digital transformation. Using Nokia’s advanced 5G technology, the new network can deliver data speeds of up to 1.5 Gbps, ten times faster than 4G, while offering ultra-low latency to improve streaming, downloads, and overall connectivity for users across the nation. The deployment is designed to stimulate innovation in several high-impact sectors such as telemedicine, virtual education, smart cities, connected mobility, and the Internet of Things (IoT), forming a key part of Ecuador’s ongoing digital expansion.
Building on CNT’s existing 4G foundation, Ecuador’s first 5G network deployment now includes 188 operational sites across Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, and surrounding areas such as Samborondón, Daule, Durán, Manta, Portoviejo, Salinas, and Santa Elena. Operating on the N78, 3.5 GHz spectrum band, the network is designed to deliver higher capacity, stronger reliability, and improved connectivity for consumers and enterprises alike.
The deployment of Ecuador’s first 5G network forms a core part of the country’s national digital transformation strategy, led by the Ministry of Telecommunications and the Information Society. Through their collaboration, Nokia and CNT plan to expand high-speed network coverage across the entire country by mid-2026. The initiative represents a vital move toward creating a more inclusive, sustainable, and digitally advanced economy that promotes innovation and fuels industrial growth.
“This is a landmark moment in Ecuador’s technology history. Our new 5G mobile network will offer faster, more stable and secure connectivity across the country without raising our commercial prices. Beyond telecommunications, we’ll build on Nokia’s advanced solutions to benefit strategic sectors such as health, education, manufacturing, agriculture and transportation, through data- and AI-driven solutions that improve quality of service for more Ecuadorians.” said Ronald Spina, General Manager, CNT E.P.
“Our long-standing partnership with CNT E.P., providing solutions across mobile radio access, IP and optical and fixed networks, is a source of pride for Nokia. We are confident this latest collaboration on the 5G launch based on our comprehensive Radio Access Networks (RAN) solutions will significantly modernize CNT’s broadband and support its commitment to build a more innovative, competitive and connected nation.” stated Bruno Leite, Head of Mobile Networks, Latin America, Nokia.
Nokia’s contribution includes equipment from its AirScale RAN portfolio, engineered for superior performance and efficiency. This comprehensive suite features an outdoor, pre-integrated ‘all-in-one’ cabinet designed to cut energy use, along with advanced Massive MIMO radios, baseband units, and remote radio head (RRH) components. Powered by Nokia’s energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology, the portfolio enhances reliability and energy performance. CNT will also leverage Nokia’s MantaRay NM, an AI-driven intelligent network management system providing a unified view of network operations.
In addition, Nokia will deploy its 7250 IXR, 7750 SR IP Routing, and 1830 Versatile WDM Transport solutions to strengthen CNT’s new-generation 5G infrastructure. These technologies are designed to enable seamless, high-speed data transmission while minimizing latency and packet loss. As part of the deployment, Nokia’s Network Services Platform (NSP) will be integrated to enhance transport network automation, management, and slicing functionalities. This integration will allow CNT to more effectively operate and maintain critical infrastructure that underpins emergency communication systems and smart city networks.