Nokia and Vodafone have developed and launched a ‘machine learning’ product that can detect and resolve network anomalies before they affect Vodafone customers.

The Anomaly Detection Service is based on Nokia Bell Labs technology, runs on Google Cloud and is being rolled out across Vodafone’s pan-European network by early 2022. It was initially deployed in Italy to monitor more than 60,000 4G cells.

The product detects and troubleshoots irregularities, such as mobile site congestion, interference and unexpected latency. Network data is streamed via Google Cloud to Vodafone’s data analytics platform.

Vodafone expects around 80% of its anomalous mobile network issues and capacity demands to be detected and addressed automatically using the new Anomaly Detection Service.

Johan Wibergh, Vodafone’s Chief Technology Officer, said “We are building an automated and programmable network that can respond quickly to our customers’ needs. As we extend 5G across Europe, it is important to match the speed and responsiveness of this new technology with a great service. With machine learning, we can ensure a consistently high-quality performance that is as smart as the technology behind it.”

Raghav Sahgal, Nokia’s President of Cloud and Network Services, said “This first commercial deployment of Anomaly Detection Service with Vodafone on Google Cloud provides a great boost to customer service. It not only addresses the critical need to quickly detect and remedy anomalies impacting network performance using machine learning-based algorithms, but it also highlights Nokia’s technology leadership and the deep technical expertise of Nokia Bell Labs.”