3G/mobile broadband industry news from the UMTS Forum
12 June 2009
Ericsson and 3 Italia Sign Exclusive Network Transformation Deal and Extend Managed Services Agreement
3 Italia has selected Ericsson for a seven-year contract to modernise and upgrade its existing 3G WDMA/HSDPA mobile broadband access and core networks, as well as optical and radio transport, data charging, and consumer-services platforms and systems. The deal also extends 3 Italia’s current managed services contract with Ericsson for the total management of the operator’s multi-vendor 3G network and telecom IS&IT infrastructure.
Russia’s and CIS’ largest mobile operator Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) has signed a deal with Nokia, which will give the handset manufacturer access to MTS’ retail network. Initially, the companies will jointly launch the HSDPA-enabled Nokia N97 touchscreen smartphone, equipped with exclusive software from MTS. The companies will also cooperate on joint marketing campaigns to promote Nokia’s handsets, with Nokia committed to a special training program for MTS’ retail employees.
Apple Announces the New iPhone 3G S—The Fastest, Most Powerful iPhone Yet
Apple has unveiled the new iPhone 3G S at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference. Featuring MMS (multimedia messaging service), video capabilities, voice control, and 3-megapixel autofocus camera, the HSDPA-enabled handset supports downlink speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps, on average twice as fast as the iPhone 3G. It runs on Apple’s latest iPhone operating system (OS) 3.0. The iPhone 3G S will launch with AT&T in the U.S. on 19 June, retailing at US$199 for a 16 GB version or US$299 for a 32 GB model.
Zain in Nigeria Enters into Strategic Five-Year Outsourcing Agreement with Ericsson
Ericsson has signed a five-year strategic managed services agreement with Zain, under which Ericsson will operate Zain's nationwide GSM/WCDMA networks in Nigeria. Serving Zain’s 4000+ base station sites across Nigeria, Ericsson will be responsible for the network and field operations, including optimization, third-party vendor management and business support systems. As part of the agreement, about 450 employees will be transferred from Zain to Ericsson.
Fast Mobile Broadband Services in Focus at Elisa's 3G Network Expansion
Nokia Siemens Networks has signed a framework agreement with Finnish operator Elisa on its 3G network expansion. The move will enable Elisa to deploy HSPA+ technology and strengthen the operator’s mobile broadband business. The network will also be ready for future LTE services.
3 Launches UK’s Best Value ‘One-Month’ Mobile Broadband Plan
3 UK has launched a one-month mobile broadband subscription contract, dubbed Broadband 5GB 1 Month. The offer includes a 3 mobile broadband SIM card with 5 GB of data for GBP 15 a month, which customers can use with or without their existing 3 USB dongle. New mobile broadband subscribers can purchase a new device, including the Huawei MF627 or E156g USB modem, for GBP 19.99.
SmarTone-Vodafone Successfully Bids for Additional 1800 MHz Spectrum Implementation of LTE on 1800 MHz Becoming Easier and More Cost Effective
Hong Kong mobile operator SmarTone-Vodafone has successfully bid for additional 1800 MHz spectrum, which includes two frequency bands, each with a bandwidth of 0.8 MHz. The company plans to use the 1800 MHz spectrum to deploy LTE (Long Term Evolution) technology on 1800 MHz. Additional 1800 MHz spectrum will enable SmarTone-Vodafone to deploy LTE more cost effectively.
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