Nokia Channel Chief To Partners: Private Wireless Is ‘Here And Now’

  Don’t Be Late

Executives at telecommunications giant Nokia believe that there’s no better time to pounce on the private wireless opportunity.

If the last three years has taught the world anything, it’s that there are more devices and applications in new, and sometimes far-flung places that require connectivity. Sometimes, businesses and partners must be creative with that connectivity. Wireless technology like Wi-Fi 6 isn’t always an option for hard-to-reach locations or users. That’s where private wireless solutions, powered by cellular technology, can come into play. Private wireless networks can compliment or serve as a primary connectivity option for some locations and allow businesses to remotely manage the network or endpoints in the process. Many businesses are discovering private wireless as a good fit for their needs as they digitally transform their environments.

Private wireless infrastructure revenue is expected to reach $8.3 billion by 2026, according to research firm IDC. That’s why Nokia is tapping into the private wireless opportunity and wants its ecosystem of more than 1,400 global VARs, systems integrators, and consulting partners to come along for the ride and bring their unique expertise with them.

Nathan Stenson, vice president of Worldwide Partner Channel for Nokia, sat down with CRN to talk about the growing opportunity around private wireless and why customers are clamoring for the technology. He also talked about Nokia’s relationship with private wireless startups, and the company’s channel strategy and program that have been evolving under his 14-month reign as channel chief.

Here’s what Stenson had to say.