Alcatel-Lucent Wins Japanese 3G Contract
Alcatel-Lucent says that it has entered into an agreement to provide the Japanese telecommunications service operator Softbank Mobile with a high-speed mobile access network. Under the terms of the agreement Alcatel-Lucent will deploy a 3G UMTS/HSDPA solution that will complement Softbank's current mobile voice service offer and enhance its broadband service portfolio.
The UMTS/HSDPA solution is designed especially for indoor and deep indoor coverage. The network will comprise thousands of pico-cells that are smaller in radius and coverage area than standard cells, but offer improved signal strength and supports delivery of higher data rates than those currently available.
The solution takes advantage of complementary UMTS radio access network components that come both from the former Alcatel and Lucent companies as well as through a recent acquisition of assets from Nortel.
In the longer term, Softbank is considering deployment of a larger scale in-building solution that is based on pico cells and involves transformation to an all IP-based network.
"Our users have been telling us that whether they're at home or in the office they want excellent network coverage and access to higher data rates to support innovative applications. This solution gives us a way to satisfy that demand," said Mr. Miyakawa, CTO of Softbank Mobile. "We have added Alcatel-Lucent as a new partner because of the depth of their experience and their proven track record in delivering innovative wireless solutions," he added.
UMTS and more specifically HSDPA is all about providing high Quality of Service and High Data throughput. This become particularly challenging when it comes to in-building coverage. According to many analysts, between 60% and 70% of the traffic generated by wireless subscribers is initiated from indoor coverage, with a significant proportion coming from business users. Deploying pico cells will not only boost mobile operator revenues, it will also decrease the Total Cost of Operating their Radio Access networks by significantly offloading the existing macro layer, removing network congestion, decreasing the need for capacity extension as well as deployment of new macro sites."
Posted to the site on 2nd February 2007