Nokia has signed a multi-year 5G contract with Portuguese telco MEO.

The deal will see Nokia modernize MEO's existing radio access network (RAN) infrastructure and enhance its 5G capabilities, the vendor said.

Nokia will supply its 5G AirScale portfolio, which is powered by its ReefShark System-on-Chip technology, including Massive MIMO, baseband, and remote radio head solutions for both indoor and outdoor scenarios.

On top of this, MEO will also use Nokia's Self-Organizing Networks solution, MantaRay SON, for optimization and network assurance.

The partnership will also provide MEO with access to Nokia's 5G R&D facility in Portugal.

"Our partnership with Nokia has already resulted in impressive projects, and we are excited to continue working together to fully realize the potential of 5G technology," said José Pedro Nascimento, chief technology officer of MEO.

"This modernization will enable us to bring in exciting possibilities and generate new value for both individuals and businesses.”

MEO, which is owned by Altice, is the biggest telco in Portugal with around six million mobile subscribers.

Along with rival operators, NOS and Vodafone, the telco decided against using Huawei kit in its core 5G network.