Orange signs NSN to rollout 4G

Customers of Orange Communications in Switzerland can expect to enjoy superior mobile broadband with faster data speeds and improved coverage by signing up with NSN for 4G rollout.

Under a five-year agreement, Orange has selected Nokia Siemens Networks to extend its radio access network as well as supply and build its network to deliver 4G (LTE - long term evolution) services. As the key supplier, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide the complete radio and core network, as well as implementation, optimization and care services.

This agreement is an adaptation of the existing, long standing partnership of Orange with Nokia Siemens Networks as a major network supplier. The new turnkey delivery agreement covers all build activities such as site acquisition, build permit procedures, upgrades and hardware maintenance for the Orange mobile network.

"The Orange network is one of the best mobile networks in Switzerland and with the launch of 4G/LTE in June this year, it will even be better," said Johan Andsjö, CEO of Orange.

Therefore we are happy to have chosen Nokia Siemens Networks as our partner for the complete delivery of all build activities. With Nokia Siemens Networks we can count on an experienced, long lasting partner, with an existing team of high professionals, providing us and our customers with outstanding network quality added Andsjo.

"As a long-term, trusted technology partner, we are committed to extending Orange's GSM and 3G networks, and supply and build the new LTE network," said Outi Asmi, head of Orange Switzerland's customer team at Nokia Siemens Networks.

Our advanced radio and core network platforms will enable Orange to provide the superfast mobile data services for its smartphone customers added Asmi.

Orange will launch its 4G services on 1 June 2013 in 10 cities/regions of Switzerland.

Under the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide its high-capacity Liquid Radio* built on the Single Radio Access Network (RAN) platform with its energy-efficient Flexi Multiradio Base Station.

Nokia Siemens Networks' Liquid Radio will help Orange provide a superior customer experience and meet growing capacity requirements. The company is also implementing its Evolved Packet Core (EPC) platform, including Flexi NS (network server) and Flexi NG (network gateway).

In addition, the company will implement its Circuit Switched FallBack (CSFB) voice call system to enable 4G smartphones to fallback to GSM and 3G networks from LTE network so that users can enjoy voice calls alongside text messaging and LTE data services.

Nokia Siemens Networks will also provide its NetAct network management system to enable consolidated monitoring, management, and operation of Orange's network. As part of its full turnkey solution, the company will provide network implementation, network optimization and care services. Nokia Siemens Networks has combined its local resources with global service delivery to ensure the highest level of service quality for the project.