A TECHNOLOGY firm has revealed a significant tie-up with a well-known communications sector operator.

Filtronic has collaborated with Nokia to develop a massive multiple input/multiple output antenna.

Bosses at the company, which runs operations from a site on NetPark, in Sedgefield, County Durham, say the antenna will significantly help increase network capacity and aid the development of faster, 5G mobile connections.

They added the work has been carried out across the group’s sites, which include a hub in Leeds.

Rob Smith, Filtronic chief executive, said: “We are delighted Nokia has chosen to work with us on this development.

“Our ultra-wide band antenna and filter-related intellectual property are being used in this design and are a proven fit with the acclaimed Nokia AirScale radios.”

Earlier this year, Mr Smith told The Northern Echo that Filtronic was “developing and progressing nicely” after strengthening its North-East workforce to cater for rising demand.

Mr Smith was speaking after the business saw a lucrative deal to improve defence sector data connections held up by supply issues.

Its contract, to supply high-frequency apparatus, was revealed last year and is expected to deliver revenues of £4.8m over a 36-month period.

However, issues with a customer-specified component pushed back its production schedule, with agreed volumes now expected to be achieved in the second half of its financial year.

But Mr Smith said the business remains well placed to secure new contracts, with particular focus on the 5G sector.

He added: “We have had a few hiccups in setting up the contract, within which we’ve not had a choice. But we are making a profit and are progressing nicely.”