Finland’s Elisa has signed a contract with Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) for the first phase of its LTE network rollout, as well as GSM and UMTS modernisation with Single RAN. Under the contract, NSN will deploy its Flexi Multiradio Base Stations and high capacity Multicontroller platform in the operator’s network. The common platform will enable Elisa to significantly reduce operational costs for GSM, 3G and LTE networks.

Subscribers to Finland’s market leading operator Elisa will enjoy a world-class mobile broadband experience with even better 3G quality and coverage and with 4G/LTE data speeds of up to 100 Mbps. The operator selected Nokia Siemens Networks for building a first phase Long Term Evolution (LTE) network and at the same time modernizing the existing nationwide GSM and 3G networks with Single RAN. As part of the agreement, Nokia Siemens Networks will deploy its Flexi Multiradio Base Stations and high capacity Multicontroller platform in the network. With these common platforms Elisa will significantly cut operational costs for GSM, 3G and LTE.

“Choosing a local Finnish vendor, Nokia Siemens Networks, across our 4G, 3G and GSM technologies further tightens the good relationship between the companies. We are well prepared for providing a fantastic end user experience in new services via the 4G/LTE network. In parallel, we will significantly expand the 3G service and modernize the GSM network. This will guarantee also in the future the industry leading mobile broadband performance we already have for our customers,” said Timo Katajisto, executive vice president, Elisa.

 “We share a long history with Elisa since the first GSM call in 1991 and we are committed in building Elisa’s new LTE network with the same pioneering enthusiasm and to providing the best and most cost-efficient solution for evolving all three radio technologies into one single radio access network (single RAN),” said Esa Harju, head of the Nordic and Baltic business, Nokia Siemens Networks. “Our strengthened cooperation will continue to improve Elisa’s already excellent network quality. This upgrade will not merely ensure savings in operational costs, but also the best mobile broadband experience for Elisa’s customers as a result of faster data speeds and superior service quality.”

Nokia Siemens Networks will provide to Elisa its Single Radio Access Network (RAN) solution including the technology to efficiently implement frequency re-farming using its Flexi Multiradio Base Station and high capacity Multicontoller platform. Quality of Service functionality and new HSPA features are included in the radio network. Nokia Siemens Networks will also provide its NetAct network management platform to ensure effective monitoring, managing and optimization of the LTE network. Included in the contract is a complete set of care services including a renewed next generation software maintenance service - Active Software Support. It is a proactive approach to software asset maintenance through unique automated preventive maintenance and online collaboration, helping operators achieve better return on investment for their software, ensuring better operational efficiency and improved network performance.

About Elisa
Elisa Corporation is a leading Nordic communications services provider and publicly listed in the Large Cap segment of NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. Elisa has operations in the Nordic countries, the Baltics and Russia. We serve some 2 million consumers regionally and around 150,000 enterprises and public administration internationally, offering a wide range of subscriptions with services. We provide experiences for people and enhance productivity for organisations online. Elisa focuses on developing consumer and corporate ICT and online services. Our revenues for 2009 were EUR 1.43 billion and we employ approximately 3,200 people. Elisa's global alliance partners are Vodafone and Telenor. For more information, visit www.elisa.com

About Nokia Siemens Networks
Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of telecommunications services. With its focus on innovation and sustainability, the company provides a complete portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, as well as professional services including consultancy and systems integration, deployment, maintenance and managed services. It is one of the largest telecommunications hardware, software and professional services companies in the world. Operating in 150 countries, its headquarters are in Espoo, Finland. www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com

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Source:  http://www.elisa.com/on-elisa/140/130.00/16815/    http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com/news-events/press-room/press-releases/elisa-selects-nokia-siemens-networks-for-radio-network-upgrade