Over the past two years, the pandemic has highlighted the limitations of global networks, challenged business operations and cyber security as many businesses converted to a remote or hybrid work model, and put a spotlight on the digital divide. With this new agreement, the companies will leverage synergies through collaborative pilot projects that address the digital divide through Cisco’s Networking Academy (NetAcad) and Telenor’s existing sustainability programs and strong local presence in markets, creating a foundation for collaboration on youth empowerment, digital skills, and safe connectivity. Initial pilots are planned for Bangladesh and Thailand.

The companies plan to enhance Telenor’s services beyond connectivity for business customers and tailor more cybersecure, scalable and flexible “as- a-service” solutions to fulfill customers’ needs. An initial pilot is planned for the Norwegian market to support its advanced customer base. The shared goal is to apply the findings from the pilot to Telenor’s global operations in addition to new markets, and to offer a more cybersecure and cyber-aware global blueprint. Furthermore, Telenor is joining Cisco’s accelerator program, enabling its customer-facing security team to master Cisco’s products and to ensure closer collaboration between the two companies for joint value creation.

Cisco and Telenor will launch new innovative projects, including collaboration and security solutions to protect users working from anywhere. The companies will test new ways for these solutions to enable the future of seamless, remote work. The companies will also collaborate to further automate Telenor’s internal security operations, enabling faster responses to cybersecurity threats. As part of the new agreement, Cisco will support Telenor’s hybrid multicloud strategy across multiple vendors and environments with advanced technology and tools to further enhance workload orchestration, automation and performance as well as provide in-depth visibility, threat intelligence and protection.

“Both Telenor and Cisco’s core business is about connecting people,” said Sigve Brekke, CEO, Telenor Group. “Together, we have a unique opportunity to leverage our combined strengths to champion cyber security, digital capabilities and advanced skills. The JPA also strengthens our efforts to fully digitalise our operation and deliver more value to customers through news services beyond connectivity, for example with new models that addresses business customer’s security needs.”

“Cisco and Telenor share fundamental values, and with this agreement, we are strengthening our relationship to improve sustainability by piloting unique projects that aim to create a more inclusive future that connects everyone,” said Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO, Cisco. “By leveraging innovative Internet and mobile technology, we can also inspire people to make a positive impact in their communities and close the digital divide.”

The strengthened collaboration will be governed by a committee chaired by Telenor’s Ruza Sabanovic, EVP and Chief Technology Officer, and Cisco’s Jonathan Davidson, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Mass-Scale Infrastructure, who will ensure structured deliveries for their common goals.