Avantel, a new entrant in Colombia’s LTE landscape, has selected Nokia Solutions and Networks to supply the complete infrastructure for its LTE network.
NSN will provide the complete suite of radio and core network equipment along with, as well as build and operate services so that subscribers in Bogota can enjoy a host of advanced mobile broadband services.
“We aim to transform Colombia’s communications landscape with this next-generation LTE network – one that will open up a world of new high-speed services for our customers in Bogota,” said Raul Amaya, chief strategy officer at Avantel. “Our longstanding relationship with NSN, coupled with the company’s experience and expertise in deploying world-class networks across the globe, made it a natural choice as our partner for this important initiative.”
Under the build-operate-transfer agreement, NSN will deliver an LTE network using its Flexi Multiradio 10 Base Stations and Evolved Packet Core (EPC). The network will use NSN’s Subscriber Data Management (SDM) solution, including New Technology Home Location Register (NT-HLR) and One-NDS for a centralized database repository. NSN will also supply its ATCA-based Mobile Voice Core solution, which, in the first phase of the roll out, will be implemented with CSFB voice call features to ensure voice services for LTE customers. In the second phase, NSN will deploy its IMS solution to enable the implementation of VoLTE for providing high-definition voice services to Avantel’s subscribers.
In addition, NSN will provide its NetAct management system to ensure consolidated configuration, monitoring and network optimization for Avantel’s radio and core network. The Performance Manager will enable 360 degree insight to network performance. NSN said the deal also includes a complete range of services such as network implementation, planning and optimization, systems integration and network operations where the OSS will be managed by NSN. Financial terms were not disclosed.
- NSN noted that it now has 117 commercial references for the delivery of LTE as of January 2014.
- In November 2013, Avantel announed US$250 million in venture funding to support its rollout of LTE in Colombia. Avantel Investors included Grupo Banco Mundial, Appaloosa Management, CAF – Banco de Desarrollo de América Latina and other private parties.
- In Colombia’s recent auction, Avantel secured 30 MHz of AWS (Advanced Wireless Services) spectrum in the 1710-1755 and 2110-2155 MHz bands.
