Microsoft and AT&T announced today that “AT&T will move its 5G mobile network to the Microsoft cloud.” In addition, Microsoft will acquire AT&T’s Network Cloud “technology and talent” to help bolster its new offering, Azure for Operators.
According to a press release,
AT&T will continue to operate its network and retain its customer relationships. By using Microsoft’s hybrid and hyperscale infrastructure, AT&T can substantially reduce engineering and development costs. Early access to Microsoft’s cloud, AI and edge technology will provide AT&T with the flexibility it needs to rapidly innovate and launch new services and customer experiences enabled by 5G.
AT&T “design, development and engineering experts” will join Microsoft to help expand technology skills Microsoft is developing with help from the 2020 acquisitions of Affirmed Networks and Metaswitch Networks.
In addition,
Microsoft will assume responsibility for both software development and deployment of AT&T’s Network Cloud immediately and bring AT&T’s existing network cloud to Azure over the next three years.
The companies are not disclosing financial details at this time.
