NSN expands Saudi Telecom's 4G network

Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) and Saudi Telecom Company (STC) have extended their earlier contract in order to assist STC for the adoption of 4G technology. NSN would upgrade and modernize Saudi Telecom Company's (STC) nationwide network by building one-third of STC's nationwide 4G network.

STC customers would enjoy mobile broadband services with speeds up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps). STC announced the launch of its commercial 4G network using TD-LTE equipment from Nokia Siemens Networks in September 2011.

As part of the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks is modernizing STC's GSM and 3G networks to its Single RAN (radio access network) platform based on the compact, energy-efficient Flexi Multiradio Base Station. The company is deploying its 4G radio network infrastructure across 2,500 STC sites over the next two years.

Nokia Siemens Networks is also providing its FlexiPacket Microwave transport platform, which is a common transport medium for STC's GSM, 3G and 4G networks with on-air speed of up to 400 Mbps.

Nokia Siemens Networks' Self-Organizing Networks (SON) suite, part of the company's Liquid Radio, enables straightforward plug-and-play 4G base station rollout. This results in operational and capital cost savings, while also improving customer experience by ensuring 4G base stations always deliver their peak performance.

“User experience with 4G is much more enhanced and satisfactory as compared to traditional mobile broadband technologies. For instance, not only is there a noticeable increase in speed, but end users also get to enjoy new, multimedia applications and services,” said Bandar Mohammed Al Qafari, vice president Network Sector at STC KSA.

As part of the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks is also upgrading its NetAct network management system to enable effective monitoring, management and operation of STC's GSM, 3G and 4G networks. In addition, the company is providing services such as network implementation with project management capabilities for rapid and efficient network roll-out.

NSN is also providing care services that include hardware, software maintenance and competence development. Nokia Siemens Networks already operates and optimizes STC's GSM and 3G radio networks as part of a separate managed services contract.