Vodacom Tanzania prepares for super fast 4G mobile broadband

Conducted successful trial with Nokia Siemens Networks’ radio and core network plus voice call system

Vodacom Tanzania recently conducted a 4G (LTE - long term evolution) trial in Dar Es Salaam using Nokia Siemens Networks’ Single RAN (radio access network) and Liquid Core* technology. In addition, the trial used Nokia Siemens Networks’ Circuit Switched FallBack (CSFB)** voice call system enabling LTE mobile phones to fallback to GSM and 3G networks for voice calls. With this successful trial, Vodacom Tanzania is now in a perfect position to launch super fast 4G mobile broadband services in Tanzania.

“Vodacom is committed to bringing world-class LTE technology to Tanzania. This will contribute to the development of the country’s information and communications technology (ICT) industry and provide ultra-fast data services on par with leading LTE services around the world,” said Rene Meza, managing director, Vodacom Tanzania. “We selected Nokia Siemens Networks because of its proven capability in refarming 1800 MHz spectrum for LTE. Its advanced radio and core platforms made the trial possible, and the excellent results convinced us that we can roll out a reliable and high-quality LTE network.”

“Our advanced Flexi Multiradio Base Station was a natural choice for this trial as it is capable of seamlessly supporting multiple technologies on a single platform,” said Pete Beadle, head of Vodacom customer team at Nokia Siemens Networks. “Our radio and core platforms used in the trial provided extremely reliable network connections for faster throughput that improves customer experience. With our Single RAN multi-technology platform, Vodacom can prepare its network for a smooth launch of LTE services and protect its investments today and tomorrow.”

Nokia Siemens Networks provided its Single RAN platform based on its award-winning, compact and energy-efficient Flexi Multiradio Base Station. The company also provided its Evolved Packet Core (EPC) platform, including Flexi NS (network server), Flexi NG (network gateway) and Liquid Core based SGSN (serving GPRS support node). In addition to providing its Mobile Softswitching (MSS) that manages traditional voice calls, Nokia Siemens Networks provided its CSFB voice call system. This system enables LTE smartphones to fallback to GSM and 3G networks so that users can enjoy voice calls alongside text messaging (SMS) and ultra-fast data services. The company also used its NetAct network management system to enable consolidated monitoring, management, and operation of Vodacom Tanzania’s trial network.

For more information and a video overview on Nokia Siemens Networks’ mobile broadband capabilities, follow this link. To share your thoughts on the topic, join the discussion on Twitter using #mobilebroadband and #LTE.

About Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks is the world’s specialist in mobile broadband. From the first ever call on GSM, to the first call on LTE, we operate at the forefront of each generation of mobile technology. Our global experts invent the new capabilities our customers need in their networks. We provide the world’s most efficient mobile networks, the intelligence to maximize the value of those networks, and the services to make it all work seamlessly.

With headquarters in Espoo, Finland, we operate in over 100 countries and had net sales of approximately 13.8 billion euros in 2012. http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com