Citymesh has become the first telecommunications provider in the world to launch a commercial mobile service built entirely on a 5G Core Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, powered by Nokia and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Traditionally, telecom operators must invest heavily in physical infrastructure and complex network hardware to run their mobile services.
With 5G Core SaaS, the core functions of the mobile network are delivered as a cloud-based service.
Instead of owning and managing all equipment, operators can subscribe to network capabilities hosted on AWS’s global cloud infrastructure.
This reduces upfront capital expenditure and lowers operational complexity, while allowing providers to scale capacity based on demand.
How It Works
Citymesh is using Nokia’s Core SaaS for Business platform, which runs on AWS cloud infrastructure. This setup provides telecom-grade reliability, security, and scalability across multiple regions.
The platform includes a full catalogue of services such as: 4G and 5G core network functions, network slicing, IMS core services, IoT connectivity and automation and security features.
Because the system operates in the cloud, Citymesh can increase network capacity on demand without installing additional hardware. The architecture also ensures high availability and strong security controls to meet strict industry standards.
Focus on Enterprise and SMEs
Citymesh is deploying the solution to serve enterprise customers across various sectors, including:
- Airports
- Hospitals
- Offshore facilities
- Emergency services
- Drone operators
- Transportation networks
- Large venues and events
In addition, the company is launching new mobile offerings tailored specifically for freelancers, self-employed professionals, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
By using a cloud-native core network, Citymesh can deliver secure, high-performance connectivity while maintaining cost efficiency an important factor for smaller businesses.
Industry Shift Toward Telecom SaaS
Industry leaders describe the launch as a turning point for the telecom sector.
The SaaS-based approach represents a broader transformation where telecom networks begin to resemble modern cloud software platforms rather than traditional infrastructure-heavy systems. Operators can subscribe to services when needed and scale spending in line with customer growth.
For Nokia, the launch demonstrates that 5G Core SaaS has moved beyond concept and into real-world production. For AWS, it reinforces the role of cloud computing in transforming telecommunications by offering elasticity, reliability, and reduced operational complexity.
The launch signals a potential future direction for telecom providers worldwide. By reducing the need for large upfront investments and simplifying network operations, the SaaS model lowers barriers to entry and enables faster innovation.
Shahriena Shukri is a journalist covering business and economic news in Malaysia, providing insights on market trends, corporate developments, and financial policies. More about Shahriena Shukri.
