Nokia supplies HSDPA as part of extended, exclusive WCDMA 3G network contract

Latvian mobile operator Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (LMT) has launched the first High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) network in Latvia. The solution, provided by LMT’s sole network supplier Nokia, enables the operator to offer faster mobile data services to its customers and operate its network more cost-efficiently.

“LMT has always been the first to adopt new and promising technologies that benefit our customers and meet their needs. Adopting new technologies is a challenge that can only be met by cooperation with a reliable and proficient supplier like Nokia. Deploying public HSDPA data services in just a few weeks is another example of a well-balanced team that LMT and Nokia have become,” says Juris Binde, President and CEO, Latvijas Mobilais Telefons.

“We are happy to continue our successful cooperation with LMT in Latvia. For LMT, HSDPA is a natural next step towards more advanced networks. The Nokia HSDPA software is easy to deploy and enables LMT to leverage their mobile data opportunities and deliver new mobile broadband services and an enriched user experience to their customers,” says Jan Lindgren, Vice President, Networks, Nokia.

Nokia and LMT have been working together since 1992. Nokia has supplied the HSDPA solution to LMT as part of a frame agreement signed in 2005, and continues as the sole supplier of LMT’s mobile network infrastructure.

In WCDMA 3G, Nokia has 63 customers to date. Nokia’s high-performing HSPA is a simple software upgrade to Nokia WCDMA networks, thus enabling a fast, cost-effective rollout. Nokia HSPA is made up of two key technologies, HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) and HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), offering breakthrough data speeds up to 14.4 Mbps in the downlink and up to 5.8 Mbps in the uplink.

Nokia HSDPA offers almost 10-times faster data services than current 3G networks, generating an enhanced service experience. Nokia is a leader in the HSDPA market, with a large number of HSDPA contracts. Many network operators have already opened their HSDPA networks with the Nokia solution.

Ericsson has been awarded a contract by FarEasTone to deploy HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) and IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem), while expanding its existing share of the 3G/WCDMA radio footprint from Northern Region to Central Region. Ericsson will also provide related support services.

The HSPA network Ericsson is building for FarEasTone will be the fastest of its kind in Taiwan, supporting initial download speeds of up to 3.6Mbps; nine times faster than today’s 3G network.

Jan Nilsson, President of FarEasTone, says: “We are delighted to be able to provide consumers with first-class services using Ericsson’s world-leading 3G, HSPA, and IMS solutions. Our subscribers will enjoy a whole new 3G experience, and FarEasTone’s competitive advantage will be boosted. The focus of the new IMS system is to deliver new IP multimedia-services, and drive revenue growth.

FarEasTone will also become the first operator in Taiwan to implement IMS. Ericsson IMS makes it possible for FarEasTone to combine today’s and tomorrow’s applications and create an integrated services offering for the Taiwanese market. IMS will enable FarEasTone to offer an attractive and convenient communications experience; utilizing one common system for all broadband services users will have the freedom to access any service with the most convenient device at any given moment.

The upgrade and expansion of FarEasTone’s existing 3G network will provide significant improvement in both transmission speed and overall system performances and pave the way to all-IP.

SeГЎn Gowran, President of Ericsson Taiwan, says: “As the prime driver in an all communicating world, Ericsson is determined to excel in network infrastructure and services while being perceived as the most innovative and responsive business partner. The FarEasTone contract further highlights our leading position in HSPA and IMS, as well as our strong services offering in evolving networks to all-IP.”

This contract award follows the 2005 collaboration between Ericsson and FarEasTone to launch FarEasTone’s initial 3G service.

Innovative, modular Nokia Flexi WCDMA base station allows a new way to build a 3G network

Nokia and Indonesian operator Telkomsel have signed a new three-year WCDMA 3G/HSPA radio and core network, and managed services contracts that will see Nokia support Telkomsel in strengthening its business and introducing 3G services, such as streaming video, to its customers.

“We are committed to launching a high-quality, wide-coverage 3G network that can provide innovative services that are beneficial for the people, the businesses, and the country of Indonesia. We trust Nokia to provide us highest-quality end-to-end network solutions,” says Kiskenda Suriahardja, President Director, Telkomsel.

“The contracts strengthen Nokia’s position as Telkomsel’s network equipment and service provider, and underline Nokia’s capabilities in managing outsourced networks,” says Marko KytГ¶harju, Country Director, Networks, Nokia Indonesia. “Telkomsel, like many other operators today, has complex multivendor network. Nokia’s managed services can help the operators to reduce the complexity, freeing up their resources to focus on core business activities.”

Nokia will operate Telkomsel’s multivendor WCDMA 3G network, which will be supported by the Nokia NetAct(TM) network and service management system. In addition, Nokia will provide network planning, implementation, multivendor integration, and delivery services with turnkey responsibility.

Under the agreements, Nokia will supply Telkomsel radio solutions, including the modular, high capacity Nokia Flexi WCDMA Base Station and Nokia High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) software to deliver Telkomsel top performance. From its Unified Core Network solutions Nokia will supply Nokia MSC Server mobile softswitch, Nokia Intelligent Content Delivery (ICD), Nokia IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Push to talk over Cellular (PoC), Presence, and charging solutions, and Flexi Intelligent Service Node (INS) that will enable Telkomsel to offer and manage a wide range of advanced IP-based multimedia services in a cost-efficient way.

The 3G network and managed services contracts cover Greater Jakarta, and West and Central Java, which are the most densely populated areas in Indonesia. The application and charging solutions, including ICD, IMS, Flexi ISN, PoC and Presence, will be delivered nationwide to cover all provinces in Indonesia. The managed services contract also covers the nationwide applications and charging solution.

Nokia has been working with Telkomsel since 1996, providing GSM, GPRS and EDGE infrastructure and turnkey services for the operator’s network.

The modular, high capacity Nokia Flexi WCDMA Base Station is an innovation enabling operators to make more efficient use of their base station sites than ever before, leading to significant site cost savings through reduced site construction work, quick base station installation and decreased power consumption.