Nokia and Intel team up for mobile broadband app and content boost

EE is the first operator to use new facility in Bath

Nokia Networks and Intel have opened a new innovation centre in Bath, to give mobile operators the chance to test new apps and content-delivery methods in a dedicated environment.

EE has already signed up to use the facility, which Nokia Networks said would help companies such as EE test innovative new delivery methods that would help ease the strain on networks as mobile data demands rocket.

The test environment uses Intel-based servers to replicate real-life network traffic types and Nokia's Liquid Applications tool suite, to allow operators to see how certain new ideas could work.

Nokia gave the example of an operator using the facility to see how cloud-hosted services, run via Liquid Applications, could move content closer to where demand is highest, such as for a sporting event with high attendance.

This would mean the data has a shorter distance to travel to the customer and does not need to keep being sent back and forth across the main network for each different customer request, improving response time and easing network strain.

Nokia said this improved responsiveness - thanks to storing information at base stations where it is most often requested - could also help operators team up with businesses for real-time promotions, or augmented-reality services.

Intel said its involvement underlines it commitment to the mobile landscape, with Brian Aherne, European marketing director at its Communications Infrastructure Division, saying the benefits were manifold.

"By positioning intelligent computing platforms closer to mobile devices, we are enabling a richer, more customised user experience," he said.

Nokia head of Liquid Applications Dirk Lindemeier called on operators to take advantage of the new centre, which could have many benefits.

"We welcome all operators to join us in this exciting venture, which also offers tremendous opportunities for application developers to show their skills to the world," he said.

Utilising mobile spectrum as efficiently as possible remains a key aim across Europe, with a new report issues this week seeking to solve a clash between operators and broadcasters over access to key frequencies.