Mobile Broadband Network Ltd. (MBNL), the network collaboration joint-venture between T-Mobile UK and 3 UK, has selected Nokia Siemens Networks as technology partner for 3G network integration. The companies anticipate creating the UK’s most extensive 3G network providing near complete population coverage by the end of 2009. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Nokia Siemens Networks has been selected as the 3G radio network infrastructure supplier for the consolidation of the two operators’ 3G radio access network infrastructure under MBNL.
Under the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will supervise the creation and operation of the joint network on behalf of both companies.
The first integrated cell site was commissioned in early February. Although masts and the 3G access networks are being combined, each company’s core network and T-Mobile’s 2G network will not be shared. Both parties will retain responsibility for the delivery of services to their respective customers and use their own frequency spectrum.
Nokia Siemens Networks said its radio access solution will replace most of the two operators’ communications stations across the UK and equipment at the remaining sites is being upgraded and reconfigured for higher quality and capacity. The solution, featuring energy-efficient Flexi base stations from Nokia Siemens Networks, will allow a reduction the number of sites in the network by about 30 percent. As well as network infrastructure, Nokia Siemens Networks will deliver project management, network deployment and managed spare parts capability, as well as care services to maintain network performance and increase its efficiency.http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com
