Citymesh has launched the world’s first commercial mobile service built on a 5G Core delivered as software-as-a-service (SaaS), using technology from Nokia and cloud infrastructure from Amazon Web Services. The service marks a shift in how operators deploy and scale core networks, replacing traditional infrastructure buildouts with a subscription-based operating model.
The Belgian operator is running Nokia’s Core SaaS for Business on AWS’s global cloud platform to support enterprise customers across airports, hospitals, offshore sites, first responders, drone operations, transportation hubs, and large venues. Citymesh is also using the platform to power a new mobile offering targeting self-employed professionals and SMEs. The SaaS-based core enables catalog-driven service creation, on-demand capacity scaling, network slicing, IMS core functions, IoT services, automation, and API exposure without requiring operators to manage hardware.
Running on AWS multi-region cloud infrastructure allows Citymesh to handle demand spikes without upfront capital expenditures. The model replaces traditional core network CapEx with predictable subscription pricing and pay-as-you-grow scaling. Nokia positions the offering as telecom-grade, with built-in security controls and lifecycle management integrated into AWS cloud operations. Citymesh CTO Robin Leblon said: “Launching the world’s first commercial 5G Core SaaS service is a major milestone for Citymesh. With Nokia’s Core SaaS on AWS, we can scale faster, reduce complexity and upfront investment, and deliver secure, high-performance connectivity tailored to our enterprise customers.”
- First commercial deployment of 5G Core delivered as SaaS
- Core network runs on AWS global cloud infrastructure
- Supports 4G and 5G Core, network slicing, IMS, IoT, automation, and security
- Subscription pricing replaces traditional infrastructure CapEx
- Targets enterprise verticals and SME mobile services in Belgium
- Enables API exposure of network capabilities
🌐 Analysis
Citymesh’s move underscores a broader shift toward cloud-native, OPEX-driven telecom architectures as operators reassess capital intensity in 5G deployments. By placing the 5G Core fully in a public cloud SaaS model, Nokia and AWS extend hyperscale cloud economics deeper into carrier-grade infrastructure, competing with alternative private cloud and hybrid telco cloud approaches from vendors such as Ericsson and Mavenir. If replicated at scale, the SaaS core model could accelerate enterprise-focused 5G services and network slicing adoption while lowering entry barriers for smaller or regional operators.
Founded in 2006, Citymesh has evolved from a business-focused connectivity provider into Belgium’s fourth licensed mobile operator. The company built its reputation delivering managed WiFi, private LTE/5G, and IoT solutions for enterprise and public-sector customers, including large events, industrial sites, smart city deployments, and emergency services. With more than 300 employees, Citymesh has steadily expanded into nationwide mobile and internet services under its Citymesh Connect brand, targeting entrepreneurs and SMEs with tailored business-grade offerings.
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