MobilenniuM Express
3G Industry news from the UMTS Forum
20 March 2009

PTS Issues Decision Concerning Space in the 900 MHz Band Which Will Ensure Continued High Coverage for Mobile Telephony in Sweden
The Swedish telecoms regulator (PTS) has renewed the existing 900 MHz licences held by TeliaSonera, Swefour, Tele2 and Telenor, making it possible for the operators to phase in new technology for mobile broadband while continuing to offer GSM mobile telephony. PTS has also approved the transfer of 900 MHz frequencies to Hi3G, the only operator without the 900 MHz licence, assigning the entire frequency space available in the 900 MHz band. The move will enable the entry of Hi3G as a new GSM operator.

Fujitsu Conducts Collaborative Field Testing of LTE
Fujitsu and NTT DoCoMo have conducted field trials of LTE (Long Term Evolution) technology, using 4x4 MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output). During the tests, the partners used prototypes of the wireless LTE base stations developed jointly by NTT DOCOMO, Fujitsu and Fujitsu Laboratories. The use of MIMO technology enabled maximum mobile broadband download transmission rates of up to 120 Mbps (using 10 MHz bandwidth) in the urban environment.

Indonesian Mobile Operator Aims to Reach 130 Million More People
Indonesian mobile operator Telkomsel has awarded Nokia Siemens Networks a contract to supply, deploy and integrate its WCDMA/HSPA radio access networks, as well as 2G base station sub-systems and services in Indonesia. The move will expand Telkomsel’s existing network coverage. Supported by its multi-vendor strategy, Telkomsel will deploy 4000 new base stations, with a total investment of US$1.5 billion.

Telenor to Bring iPhone 3G to Norway on March 20
Telenor has announced that it will introduce the iPhone 3G in Norway on 20 March. Telenor will also unveil four new subscription plans tailored for the iPhone 3G based on a 12-month contract, offering customers mobile broadband data packages, unlimited voice calls and SMS to six family members and friends. 

Vodafone UK Selects Ericsson to Provide Maintenance and Operational Support on its Network, Delivering Cost Savings
Vodafone UK has selected Sweden’s Ericsson for a seven-year outsourcing contract for its 2G and 3G networks. Ericsson will be responsible for network maintenance and operations. Around 350 employees will be transferred from Vodafone UK to Ericsson. The deal aims to reduce operating costs and improve network efficiency for Vodafone. 

Orange to Outsource Mobile Network Operations in the UK
Orange has awarded a five-year infrastructure outsourcing contract in the UK to Nokia Siemens Networks. According to the terms of the deal, Nokia Siemens Networks will manage, plan, expand, optimize and provide maintenance to Orange’s 2G/3G mobile network in the UK. Around 470 staff will be transferred from Orange UK to Nokia Siemens Networks. The move signals that Orange expects to improve quality of service and enhance coverage, as well as lower its operating costs.