Cellfie Mobile, a Georgian mobile operator serving 1.45 million customers across Georgia, today signed a significant agreement with leading global technology company Nokia to upgrade its 4G network and implement a 5G network countrywide. According to the agreement, Nokia will upgrade the  existing base stations and  build new base stations. The new stations are already adapted to 5G technology.

Nokia will supply Cellfie devices from its comprehensive  5G AirScale portfolio equipped with energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip (SoC) technology. It's also worth noting that the deal includes access to AirScale's latest generation AirScale Baseband and Remote Radio Head (RRH) products, as well as Nokia's MantaRay intelligent network management system, which provides the company with a consolidated network view and enhanced monitoring using artificial intelligence functionality. After the auction for the 5G network license in Georgia is finalized, Nokia will introduce new 5G (3.5 GHz) base stations.

As a result of these large-scale works, Cellfie users will receive high quality connectivity, including full coverage and fast broadband services. Work is scheduled to commence as early as November 2023.

“I am extremely pleased to announce the signing of a very important agreement with the world's leading technology company Nokia. This agreement delivers the significant network quality improvements our customers have come to expect. As a result of the agreement signed today, coverage quality will be significantly improved, users will enjoy high speed internet nationwide, and network capabilities 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 powerful portfolio of network equipment made it easy for us to decide to deepen our cooperation with Nokia,” said Vasil Berishvili, CEO of Cellfie Mobile.

“Today is another shining example of CBS Group delivering on its promises. During the launch of the new brand in April this year, we announced to Cellfie's 1.45 million subscribers that this year CBS would invest in improving the resilience, quality and reliability of the Cellfie network. As you know, as part of the same investment strategy, one of the largest deals in the Georgian market has already been concluded, which resulted in Cellfie becoming a fully Georgian mobile operator and creating a brand-new Georgian brand. Now, with the prospect of further development of 5G technology, CBS Group continues to work to deliver the best mobile connectivity in the country. I would like to thank the Cellfie and Nokia teams for working together successfully, resulting in the agreement signed today,” said Tamar Gakharia, CFO of CBS Group.

“Cellfie Mobile is an important and long-standing customer for us. We are proud to further deepen our long-term partnership with the company, both by enhancing its existing network portfolio and laying the groundwork for the deployment of a 5G network. We look forward to the completion of the project and the positive impact it will have on Cellfie users,” said Demetrio Russo, Vice President of Nokia's Turkey and Central Asia region.