Smart Communications offers high-definition mobile voice in Manila

Nokia Siemens Networks enables crystal clear voice quality

Smart Communications’ customers in Mega Manila, including the Bulacan and Rizal provinces, will soon enjoy unmatched mobile voice quality. The company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), has deployed Nokia Siemens Networks’ Wide Band Adaptive Multi-Rate (WB-AMR)* functionality which enables it to offer high-definition (HD) voice services to subscribers. Pilot implementations of this new feature have already been completed in Makati, Taguig and Rizal.

Nokia Siemens Networks is deploying the WB-AMR software feature in Smart Communications’ 3G network, and will do so later in its 2G network. The upgrade process is simplified by requiring only software updates for the network, and results in subscribers of Smart Communications benefiting from improved voice call quality.

The upgrade can be compared to the difference between AM and FM radio. High-definition voice makes it easier for callers to distinguish commonly misunderstood sounds such as “s” from “f”, “m” from “n”, and “p” from “t”.

“In HD voice-enabled areas, callers with HD voice-capable handsets running on 3G will be able to hear the difference instantly,” said Rolando Peña, head of technology at PLDT. “Nokia Siemens Networks’ WB-AMR functionality lets us deliver significantly superior voice quality. This reaffirms our commitment to implementing innovative services aimed at providing the best communications experience to our customers in the Philippines”.

“This particular engagement with Smart Communications further strengthens Nokia Siemens Networks’ resolve to provide an innovative edge to its customers”, said Markku Nieminen, head of Smart Communications customer team at Nokia Siemens Networks. “Our WB-AMR technology, tailored to ensure an unprecedented communications experience, marks another step forward in our vision to create smarter networks for the future”.

Smart Communications recently launched its Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile broadband network supplied by Nokia Siemens Networks. Using the 2100 MHz frequency, the LTE radio access is based on Nokia Siemens Networks’ Single Radio Access Network** (RAN) and takes full advantage of the hardware concurrently used on that frequency for HSPA. The LTE throughput speeds are faster than in the 3G HSPA networks and latency is improved considerably, bringing top-of-class Internet access and rich communication experience to mobile subscribers. This is complemented with the simultaneous deployment of Virtual Antenna Mapping (VAM) in the 3G layer, a unique feature offered only by Nokia Siemens Networks. It enables doubling transmit signals to maximize the usage of multiple power amplifiers, thus further enhancing 3G coverage and throughput performance.

In addition to providing WB-AMR, LTE and VAM, Nokia Siemens Networks is also supplying its NetAct network management system for consolidated and effective monitoring, management and optimization of Smart Communications’ network across all radio technologies. Nokia Siemens Networks’ Intelligent Self Organizing Networks*** (iSON) capability will be used for increasing automation and speeding up the rollout as well as optimizing Smart Communications’ LTE network.

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About Smart Communications, Inc.

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is the Philippines' leading wireless services provider with 50.9 million subscribers on its GSM network as of end-June 2012. Smart has built a reputation for innovation, having introduced world-first wireless data services, such as Smart Money, Smart Load, Smart Padala and the Netphone. Smart also offers 3G and HSPA+ services, and the country’s first and only LTE network. Its Smart Link service provides communications to the global maritime industry. Smart Broadband, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, offers a wireless broadband service, Smart Broadband, with over 1.63 million subscribers as of end-June 2012. Smart is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Philippines' leading telecommunications carrier, the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company. For more information, visit http://www.smart.com.ph.

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 150 countries and had net sales of over 14 billion euros in 2011. http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com