Singapore operator StarHub can now offer an improved mobile broadband experience to its subscribers. The operator has expanded its 3G core network to increase data speeds and provide a smooth mobile surfing experience to its customers, efficiently and cost effectively.

“Data traffic has increased exponentially over the last two years, and StarHub is now geared to handle the current and future traffic needs of its subscribers. What’s more, there is no need to invest substantial amounts of money to build capacity to handle the increased data throughput. It’s really thanks to this innovative software offering from Nokia Siemens Networks that routes 3G data traffic effectively, improving the user experience while reducing capital and operating expenses,” said Peter Cook, Vice-President of Integrated Network Engineering, StarHub.

Nokia Siemens Networks has expanded the network capacity by implementing a flat network architecture, using its Direct Tunnel solution. This expansion will strengthen StarHub’s HSPA+ (High Speed Packet Access)-based wireless broadband service, which offers speeds of 21 Mbps and beyond.

Added Lars Biese, Head of Asia South, Nokia Siemens Networks, “We are continually looking for ways to help our customer improve the end-user experience, while they improve their own efficiency. Our packet core solutions have helped StarHub achieve its capacity expansion goal and enhance the end user experience. In addition, the implementation of flat network architecture allows StarHub to make the most of this investment, by also preparing its network for the future.”

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Viettel selects Nokia Siemens Networks to set up country’s first 3G network

By early next year, subscribers in Vietnam will be able to access rich multimedia applications and data intensive services through their mobile phones. Viettel, the country’s leading telecommunications provider is deploying Vietnam’s first 3G network, and has appointed Nokia Siemens Networks as its radio network infrastructure supplier. Product deliveries begin this month.

“As the market leader, we are committed to ensuring our customers experience the best in class and most advanced services available in the market. Nokia Siemens Networks’ with its superior solutions, strong local support and global experience in 3G deployments was our partner of choice to ensure the successful roll out of our planned services”, said Nguyen Manh Hung, Deputy General Director, Viettel.
 
Under the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide the hardware, software and services required to build and manage the network, including skills training for Viettel’s team. The network rollout will happen without interruption in any existing services.
 
“Viettel was recently awarded a 3G license by the government of Vietnam. As a market leader, it aims to be the first to bring pioneering services to its customers, and as a longstanding partner, we are committed to helping the company realize this goal. We will implement a solution which allows Viettel to provide high quality mobile broadband services, and also generate new revenue streams,” said Krittika Mahattanakul, Head of Asia North, Nokia Siemens Networks.

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The licensing of the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) band will put the Americas on a par with Asia and Europe in terms of 3G reach according to new research conducted by Global View Partners, a US-based research firm, in partnership with the GSMA, which represents the interests of the worldwide mobile communications industry. The research found that, as a core 3G band in the Americas, AWS spectrum is vital for the growth of mobile broadband as it will accelerate the launch of new services that will drive new mobile broadband devices and applications.

“This research commissioned by the GSMA highlights that the AWS band will bring new opportunities in markets with pent-up demand for broadband services,” said Ricardo Tavares, Senior Vice President at the GSMA. “The AWS band will unleash a new range of spectrum that will greatly benefit consumers and increase economic productivity due to the accessibility of mobile broadband. Regulators should move quickly and not delay in making this valuable and viable spectrum available to meet the rapidly growing broadband needs of consumers and businesses across the Americas.”

The AWS band has already added significant mobile broadband capacity and coverage to the US and Canadian markets where auctions to license the spectrum have already taken place, with many Latin America markets planning to license the spectrum throughout 2009. The research found that prices paid for AWS spectrum in the US and Canada revealed high market demand.

Growth in AWS subscribers and device volumes is also projected for the Americas according to the research. Additional licensing across the region should bring total subscribers with AWS-enabled devices from an estimated 12.4 million at the end of 2009 to an estimated 177.8 million at the end of 2013, a growth rate of 94 per cent each year. As the subscriber base increases, the research suggests that device sales will also grow from an estimated 10.9 million in 2009 to an estimated 114.5 million in 2013, representing a growth rate of 80 per cent each year.

The research also highlighted operator plans. For example, T-Mobile USA plans to continue to drive AWS device and subscriber penetration over the next several years. Global View Partner’s market forecast predicts approximately one half of the operator’s subscriber base are expected to be using HSPA-enabled devices capable of operating in the AWS band within two years, with more than 90 per cent within five years.

“At T-Mobile USA, we are working with our suppliers to deliver a broad range of innovative AWS-banded devices to market. Our suppliers share our vision of the value the AWS band enables,” said Neville Ray, Senior Vice President, Engineering Operations, T-Mobile USA.
“Consistently, we observe suppliers leveraging investments made previously for the 1.9/2.1 band, and delivering high performing and price competitive AWS-banded devices. The AWS device eco-system is broadening each day and is tied to the burgeoning growth of 3G globally.”

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A significant part of the turbo 3G extension will be based on the 900 MHz frequency. In a lower-frequency network, an individual base station serves a larger coverage area, which makes it possible to extend geographical network coverage in an economic way.

”Besides the right timing, the choice of partners is a critical decision. The challenges are great, because we are not only rolling out 3G, but also supporting the fixed-mobile migration in the most rural areas and building a foundation for the evolution to 4G”, Rautalinko continues.

In 2009, Sonera will introduce its turbo 3G network in more than 100 new towns and localities, adding up to a total of 350 localities. More than 1,000 new base stations will be introduced. The company will continue its build-out programme in 2010 and 2011 depending on the market situation and service demand.

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