5G is undeniably the next big thing in the mobile communications industry, and it's almost upon us. As it takes aim at various opportunities presented by this technology, Nokia has announced today several changes at the company, including management and corporate restructuring moves.
Nokia says that it is merging the Mobile Networks and Fixed Networks business groups into a single division called Access Networks. The change will be effective on January 1, 2019, with the head of that unit expected to be appointed in the near future.
The company has also named Tommi Uitto, a 23-year Nokia veteran, as President of Mobile Networks, replacing Marc Rouanne. Regarding Uitto's new role, Nokia President and Chief Executive Officer, Rajeev Suri, said:
Tommi is a strong leader with the right background in both sales and product development and I am pleased that he has accepted this role. He brings deep credibility from across the telecommunications industry and a proven ability to drive product leadership and business performance.
The latest move is just one of the many steps Nokia has taken over the last couple of months as part of its 5G push. In July, it announced plans to set up another 5G lab in China in collaboration with China Mobile. This came shortly after the company and Tencent revealed that they will be jointly conducting research and development projects to “explore the potential of 5G for the provision of new applications."
