Nokia Siemens Wins UAE Network Expansion Contract

Nokia Siemens Networks has won a turnkey network expansion and managed services contract with the UAE based mobile operator, du - worth about US$225 million. The contract will expand the network capacity to 4 million subscribers.

According to figures from the Mobile World subscriber tracker, du ended the first half of this year with 1.85 million customers, of which an estimated 676,000 are using its 3G network.

The scope of work also comprises Internet-HSPA (a brand name for Evolved HSPA)

Evolved HSPA provides HSPA data rates up to 42 Mbit/s on the downlink and 22 Mbit/s on the uplink with MIMO technologies and higher order modulation. It also introduces an optional all-IP architecture for the network where base stations are directly connected to the internet. The technology also delivers significant battery life improvements and dramatically quicker wake-from-idle time - delivering a true always-on connection.

Evolved HSPA should not be confused with LTE, which uses a new air interface.

du will also expand itĂ's mobile softswitching andHome Location Register solutions, as well as the related mediation system. du will continue to monitor, control, analyze and manage their network with the Nokia Siemens Networks network and service management solution.

"When planning this phase of our business expansion, we were looking for a partner with an end-to-end capabilities to meet our needs" said Osman Sultan, CEO, du. "With Nokia Siemens Networks state-of-the-art equipment and with our strong existing relationship, we are ready to take this partnership to the next level to the benefit of duĂ's customers and our business."

On the web: du - The Mobile World

Posted to the site on 14th October 2008