MobileGuru

Mobile Phone Launches an App for a Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:30:00 +0000

Smartphones Technologies, a leading mobile application publisher, today announced the launch of College Basketball Bracket Challenge-- an exciting new Bracket App now available on the Apple App Store-- just in time for the men’s basketball tournament.

College Basketball Bracket Challenge allows fans to create their own tournament bracket, compete against their friends, and see if their picks land them on the Leaderboard. Scores are automatically updated after each game is complete so fans can see if their picks move on to the next round. By using the slider on the top of the page, fans can easily switch from the List view to the Bracket view. List view allows you to view each round by region, while Bracket view lets you see your entire bracket, with correct picks in green and incorrect picks in red. Whether at home or on the go, fans can follow their favorite teams all the way to the championship.

“Most brackets are locked as soon as the first game begins, so if you don't complete it on time, you can't play," said Mike Merrill, CEO of Smartphones Technologies. “College Basketball Bracket Challenge allows you to pick your winners and submit your bracket- even if the tournament is already underway. You won't get points for games that have already begun, but you can still pick your teams and enter your bracket." Because late entries are allowed, points are evenly weighted for all games, so people who enter late don't get an unfair advantage.

As a bonus, customers who purchase a College SuperFans app get the College Basketball Bracket Challenge inside College SuperFans apps at no extra charge. "By integrating the Bracket Challenge app functionality into the existing College SuperFans apps, we're giving fans features they expect in college sports apps," Merrill said. "Our goal is to keep adding new features and continuing to expand the apps."

Z-mobile ramps up customer focus in Kosovo

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:53:00 +0000

Emerging Kosovan mobile service provider Z-mobile offers its subscribers tailor-made prepaid and post-paid services. The company, which entered the Kosovan market as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in the beginning of January, has selected Nokia Siemens Networks to improve the intelligence of its services to increase customer satisfaction and speed up the implementation of new services.

“Our goal is to connect people without borders and limits,” said Milot Gjkolli, chief executive officer at Dardaphone, the parent company of Z-mobile. “To this end, we aim to grow our business across the region by adopting models conducive to fast and innovative service launches. We selected Nokia Siemens Networks as our partner due to its track record of understanding mobile phone users and by providing top notch services and customer care. We are confident that through this strategic partnership, we will be able to rapidly increase the quality of the services we offer.”

Under the scope of the five-year deal, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide consulting and system integration for a next generation intelligent network (NG IN) platform to support services sharply focused on Z-mobile’s business needs. The NG IN platform will provide solutions for Z‑mobile’s postpaid and prepaid billing and charging services, as well as interactive voice response (IVR) for automated voice or keypad navigation and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. The platform can be scaled efficiently and cost-effectively to meet the expected growth of Z-mobile’s subscriber base.

“The high demand for customizable services makes the Kosovan market both innovative and challenging,” said Dietmar Appeltauer, head of the central-east European region at Nokia Siemens Networks. “For Z-mobile to outdo the competition and grow its subscriber base, it must offer cutting-edge and future-proof services, targeted tariffs and calling plans, all backed by a strong customer relationship management system.”

The Z-mobile brand is owned by Dardaphone, which is a joint venture of the Devolli Group Corporation and the US-based C-Com Group.

Secure mobile access to the cloud with StoneGate Virtual SSL VPN 1.4

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:46:00 +0000

Stonesoft, an innovative provider of integrated network security and business continuity solutions, introduces the new StoneGate SSL VPN Virtual Appliance, SSL VPN 1.4 and SSL-1060 for secure mobile and remote access.

The StoneGate SSL VPN solution is ideal for organisations that need to easily provide controlled yet flexible remote access for their employees, partners or customers. The solution enables organisations to share information freely and yet have full control over who accesses the information, when and from where.

Virtual SSL VPN appliance offers mobile access to the cloud
The StoneGate SSL VPN Virtual Appliance complements Stonesoft’s network security solution for virtual environments. The new appliance allows rapid deployment and implementation of mobile access to cloud computing.
The more common cloud computing becomes in corporate business and virtualised datacenters, the stronger is the need for secure access to corporate applications in the cloud. StoneGate SSL VPN Virtual Appliance combines the need for granular access to the corporate web and legacy applications with the secure and authenticated profiling of users.

The StoneGate SSL VPN Virtual Appliance is based on Open Virtual Format (OVF) standard and provides multiple features that meet the needs of virtual environments such as strong authentication, a flexible application portal and support for Federation ID standards such as SAML 2.0 and ADFS. The appliance is compatible with both VMware’s ESX/ESXi 3.5 and 4.0 (vSphere) versions.

Sophisticated authentication and access control
StoneGate SSL VPN 1.4 offers organisations enhanced security provided by integrated mobile authentication methods, granular access control and a holistic view on access rights with a single integrated access policy.

“Authentication is very important if we need to allow local, remote and mobile users, partners, suppliers and other stakeholders to access data and applications. Unfortunately, too often it is taken for granted. Authentication is not just a matter of typing a username and password – instead, organisations should carefully plan how it is integrated with existing authentication systems. In many cases, solutions that provide access to corporate applications need to support extended authentication systems like Federated ID or advanced Single Sign On techniques for both web and legacy applications. These are just some of the key strengths offered by StoneGate SSL VPN,” highlights Marco Rottigni, SSL VPN product manager at Stonesoft.

StoneGate SSL VPN provides easy management and administration of access control for all network users. Administrators can easily select the parameters, or a combination of parameters, that will grant or deny the access to applications. This includes sophisticated assessment and trace removal techniques to ensure that corporate security standards are enforced at all times, also for mobile and roaming users.

StoneGate SSL VPN includes also advanced logging, auditing and reporting features that help businesses meet industry, government and corporate regulatory compliance out-of-the-box.

New mid-range appliance SSL-1060 and spike licensing
The new StoneGate SSL-1060 appliance comes with the latest StoneGate SSL 1.4 software version, offering new features with respect to network integration and end point security such as the ability to configure port forwarding configurations and Ticket Single Sign On (SSO) enhancements.

The SSL-1060 appliance is designed for companies who need to provide a user base of 50 to 500 users with secure, authenticated remote access to business applications while ensuring best performance at all times.

Stonesoft introduces Spike licensing to all SSL VPN appliances. Spike licenses are temporary licenses used for increasing the number of users in emergency situations. For example, a second wave of H1N1 swine flu might keep employees at home or a nearby river flooding the office might prevent them from working there. In such cases, the ability to quickly increase the number of remote users becomes business-critical.

”Secure mobile and remote access to corporate data is not a luxury any more. In today’s increasingly fast-paced business, it has become a necessity that determines who is going to succeed. The new StoneGate SSL VPN helps organisations to streamline their processes and provides tools for finding new business opportunities – without compromising security,” said Klaus Majewski, vice president of marketing at Stonesoft.

StoneGate SSL VPN allows employees and partners to access more applications regardless of their location, using any web-enabled device. While this increases productivity, the network remains secure and protected from vulnerabilities. In addition, advanced features such as automated user account management ease the workload of the company’s IT administration.

Dialogue Appoints Regulator As Compliance Manager

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:49:00 +0000

Mobile messaging and mobile payments specialists Dialogue Communications has appointed Alex Crisp, formerly Investigations Executive at PhonepayPlus (the agent appointed by Ofcom to regulate paid-for telecoms services in the UK) to be its new Compliance Manager.

In what could be the first appointment of a former regulatory official by an aggregator such as Dialogue, Alex has been brought on board to take responsibility for internal regulatory matters as required. He will provide full support and guidance to Dialogue and its customers worldwide whilst endeavouring to build on the commitment made by Dialogue to its adherence to global and domestic regulatory requirements.

“Moving from the regulatory side of the industry fence and working with Dialogue will provide me with the opportunity to look at the regulatory scene from a global perspective; the move should throw up some interesting and exciting challenges for me,” said Alex.

“I see my appointment as a significant commitment by Dialogue, both to regulatory matters and to giving its customers the sort of world class service and support that has seen the company grow so successfully in recent years”.

While with PhonepayPlus, Alex was instrumental in introducing and leading on strategic changes which impacted on significant falls in consumer complaints. These changes also aided in developing an increased intelligence-led approach to investigations. As well as becoming knowledgeable on legal and regulatory issues effecting mobile messaging in the UK he gained valuable experience in planning and carrying out investigations and in making representations in front of internal tribunals.

Alex has built useful relationships with other regulatory bodies including the ASA, the OFT, the SFO and HMRC as well as with UK mobile network operators and other industry stakeholders.

Ericsson chosen by TeliaSonera

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:47:00 +0000

TeliaSonera is upgrading its fixed broadband access network to offer businesses and consumers media-rich services such as high-definition TV, live video streaming and online gaming. Ericsson provides the broadband access network of one million lines based on VDSL2 technology.

Mikael Bäckström, Head of Ericsson Nordic and Baltics, says: "Operators' decision to move from ADSL to VDSL2 is in line with consumers' need to get more bandwidth at home. Combining the strength of its fiber access with existing copper access is an effective and fast way to deliver nationwide high-speed broadband."

Internet use in Sweden is widespread, and according to Swedish statistics, almost 90 percent of households have home access. The goal for Swedish authorities is to secure access to even higher broadband speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s.

Ove Alm, Senior Vice President of TeliaSonera Networks, says: "Enhancing our fixed broadband network will meet the booming demand for bandwidth. By boosting the speeds in both our fixed and mobile networks, our customers will be able to reach their personalized services irrespective of where they are and what device they are using."

Under the agreement Ericsson will deliver EDA 1200 based on VDSL2 technology and related installation services. The contract includes Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Deployment starts in Sweden and will run over the next 12 months.

The VDSL2-based technology offers unprecedented speeds on existing copper lines, opening up new opportunities for operators to provide customers with high-speed broadband services. By using VDSL2, operators can extend its fiber connections into existing copper lines in the last mile, and thereby maximize the reuse of the existing infrastructure.

Ericsson Launches Something New

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:55:00 +0000

Deutsche Telekom yesterday announced their new converged service for enterprise customers in Germany, called DeutschlandLAN, based on the Ericsson Business Communication Suite (BCS).

- Enterprises get voice, mobility, collaboration and conferencing applications for smartphones, PCs and IP-based desktop phones
- The service by Deutsche Telekom, DeutschlandLAN, runs on Ericsson Business Communication Suite

Ericsson's solution consists of IP telephony, mobility, collaboration and multimedia conferencing applications for smart phones, PCs and IP-based desktop phones.

The user is always part of the company network and has convenient access to all the communication tools while on a business trip, using a smart phone or notebook in the same way as when in the office. BCS allows instant team communication in virtual meeting rooms for video conferencing, document sharing or presentations creating dynamic collaboration within the company or interaction with people outside the company boundaries.

Deutsche Telekom plans the commercial launch for April 2010.

"Users want to be able to work wherever they are and not be limited to a desk at their office. Ericsson Business Communication Suite can do that for them and Deutsche Telekom is one of the first operators worldwide to make use of it by introducing DeutschlandLAN", said Jan Wäreby, Head of Business Unit Multimedia at Ericsson.

The Ericsson Business Communication Suite is fully 3GPP IMS compliant. It can serve 250,000 subscribers and can be extended if required. Based on open standards, and bundled with other operator network capabilities, BCS provides operators with a good baseline for a "one stop shop" offering towards the Enterprise segment.

Windows Mobile is better then Apple iPhones

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:49:00 +0000

Smaato Inc., a leading mobile ad optimizer and mobile advertising agency, has released its latest global mobile advertising metrics in an exclusive post at MSearchGroove, a top 50 influential source of analysis and commentary on mobile marketing, mobile search and social media.

Smaato's Worldwide Index - which analyzes ad network fill rates and sheds important light on click-through rates (CTR) segmented by handset operating system, geography and response times – is based on data collected from 35 mobile ad networks and over 4 billion ad requests served in the Smaato network of more than 3,000 registered mobile publishers in February 2010.

Overall, Smaato's metrics show that the average worldwide ad network fill rates remain constant at 29% in February 2010. The fill rate is measured as the percentage of ads delivered per ad request and varies by different factors, like country, device, content type.

Smaato's Index also provides a breakdown of CTR data, segmented according to operating system, showing that Symbian continues to lead the pack, with Android a distant second. However, there are some significant shifts that indicate the gap between operating system CTRs could be closing fast. For example, BlackBerry comes in at 51, up from 30 in December 2009, while Symbian – still the dominant operating system – has dropped slightly. It comes in at 147, compared with 173 in December 2009.

However, the biggest surprise is the lead Windows Mobile has over Apple. Specifically, the iPhone and iPod Touch show a declining CTR, coming in with a rate of 89. This is the first time Apple devices have dipped below the average Index of 100, and the first time that Windows Mobile has edged ahead of its rival. In December 2009 the iPhone posted a CTR Index of 119, sliding to 104 in January 2010.

A more detailed analysis of the Smaato Worldwide Index, which covers the ad fill rates of the global top 10 ad networks and a special focus on the fill rates of mobile ad networks in the U.S. and South-East Asia, has been posted on MSearchGroove today.

Overall, the best performing mobile ad network in the Smaato Worldwide Index had a fill rate of 72% in February 2010, down 17 from January. Despite this decrease, the average for worldwide ad network fill rate performance remained steady at 29%. What's more, Smaato found that six of the top ten ad networks performed above this average. This re-enforces the pivotal importance and advantages of the network aggregation business model. Smaato aggregates 35 ad networks across the globe to ensure partners get the highest possible fill rate.

"Publishers struggle to identify – in real-time – the right ad network to deliver the right results," notes Peggy Anne Salz, Chief Analyst at MSearchGroove (MSG). "Smaato's aggregation model, which has gained traction globally through its ability to dynamically identify the ad networks that monetize publishers' inventory best, is core to Smaato's competitive advantage."

Smaato is also focused on cultivating a robust mobile advertising business ecosystem in which in can play a leadership role. To this end Smaato also dedicates significant resources to identify and encourage mobile advertising pioneers and innovators.

A prime example of this is the Smaato Mobile Advertising Award, which recognizes excellence in the mobile advertising and developers harnessing mobile apps and the mobile Web that can also be tapped to deliver compelling messages and campaigns to consumers worldwide.

Among the winners – chosen by a world-class jury of leading influencers of the mobile community including MSearchGroove – were: Aloqa, a U.S.-based mobile service that proactively notifies people of interesting places, events, music, movies and other activities nearby; Waze, an Israeli startup that taps the wisdom of crowds to provide real-time maps, traffic information and turn-by-turn directions; and Yoose, a provider of mobile coupon and loyalty programs based in Germany.

To showcase these high-flyer companies and their views on industry hot topics including engagement, location services, mobile couponing and crowd-sourcing Smaato has collaborated with MSearchGroove to produce a special podcast series showcasing the three company CEOs. In the interviews, which originally aired in time for the Mobile World Congress in February, the executives also comment on the meetings with eight top-notch VCs – high-level introductions that are part of the Smaato Award.

Moving forward, Smaato will join MSearchGroove's growing roster of contributors and collaborators. MSearchGroove showcases thought leadership from a select group of partners and supporters including Tego Interactive, a company delivering delivers digital strategy and execution for startups, brands and mobile network operators worldwide; Bango, a mobile payments and mobile analytics provider; Taptu, a mobile search provider; and Netsize a mobile commerce and communications provider on topics ranging from usability and user experience to mobile industry mega-trends.

In addition, MSearchGroove publishes exclusive columns from leading industry executives including Colm Healy, Vice President of EMEA Services for Qualcomm Internet Services (QIS) and General Manager of Xiam Technologies, and Antti Öhrling, Co-Founder of Blyk, the messaging media that works with mobile operators to link young people with brands and other stuff they like.

Ketchikan Public Utilities offers customers a whole new IPTV experience

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:26:00 +0000

Subscribers of Ketchikan Public Utilities (KPU) are now enjoying a more interactive TV experience. KPU has recently implemented Nokia Siemens Networks’ Home Entertainment 3.0, a next-generation IPTV platform, which offers a host of interactivity and customization options, and enables the quick and easy integration of third-party applications.

“Our customers are constantly looking for new ways to enhance their always-on lifestyles, and we must deliver differentiated services that best satisfy their needs,” said Dan Lindgren, assistant manager, KPU Telecommunications Division, Ketchikan Public Utilities. “Nokia Siemens Networks’ understanding of the IPTV market opens new business opportunities for us by enhancing our video capabilities with High Definition content, personal video recording, and on-demand and interactive services.”

The Home Entertainment 3.0 (HE 3.0) offers an open environment that will allow KPU to customize its offerings and encourage third-party developers to create their own rich media and Web 2.0 applications that integrate with the operator’s IPTV system quickly and cost effectively. The contract scope also includes professional services.

“The competition in the North American IPTV market is intense, with operators striving to create a compelling and unique user experience. KPU now has a future-proof video services network, and can develop and introduce customized services more easily to broaden its market and win new revenue streams,” said Jouni Welander, director of IPTV solution management, Nokia Siemens Networks, North America.

Data speed barrier for mobile users broken at CeBIT

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:20:00 +0000

Deutsche Telekom and Nokia Siemens Networks demo 42Mbps downlink speeds on standards based 2010 software for 3G mobile broadband, using HSPA+

Deutsche Telekom and Nokia Siemens Networks have conducted an HSPA+ data call with peak throughput of 42 Mbps over a standards based 3G network at the CeBIT 2010 fair held in Hannover, Germany. The demonstration highlights the availability of faster mobile broadband services and more efficient use of spectrum to support the growing numbers of mobile laptop and smart device users.

Increasing smart device usage, coupled with people’s preference for mobile internet access, is driving a tremendous increase in mobile data traffic. In order to address this growth, operators need to optimize their existing network infrastructure.

Nokia Siemens Networks’ demonstration highlights how it can increase existing base station capacity with a simple software upgrade, enabling mobile operators to offer an improved user experience through doubling the average user’s connection speed.

The 42Mbps data call was made using a Dual Cell HSPA+ platform based on Nokia Siemens Networks’ commercial Flexi Multiradio Base Station and USB modems using Qualcomm’s MDM8220™ chipset.

"Our HSPA+ innovation can bring higher speeds and improved network efficiency,” said Thomas Jul, head of the Customer Business Team Deutsche Telekom at Nokia Siemens Networks. “This will greatly improve the experience for consumers using smart devices and data cards as they will be able to enjoy advanced broadband services."

Polkomtel subscribers are getting rewarded

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:01:00 +0000

Poland’s Polkomtel S.A. is increasing its mobile broadband coverage and capacity to provide its subscribers with improved mobile Internet and multimedia services. Nokia Siemens Networks is extending and modernizing Polkomtel’s 3G/HSPA network to make it smartphone friendly and prepare it for the next generation of mobile broadband. The improvements will ensure the network is better able to efficiently handle the data surge sparked by the growing number high-speed data customers as well as that of smart devices.

“To maintain our leadership in providing valuable new services to Polish subscribers , we have decided to upgrade our network for higher speeds and more capacity,” said Miguel Marin, chief technology officer, board member of Polkomtel S.A. “This upgrade will not only prepare our network to handle new technologies like HSPA+ 28,8 or 42 Mbps, but will also help us benefit from the lower energy consumption, and signaling efficiencies of Nokia Siemens Networks’ smartphone friendly technology.”

“Our innovation will bring Polish users a faster broadband experience” said Robert Zajac, head of the Polkomtel Customer Team at Nokia Siemens Networks. “This agreement underlines our long-term, successful partnership with Polkomtel, and allows us to look together towards the future of mobile broadband.”

Under the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will deploy its compact, energy-efficient Flexi Multiradio base stations that enable the higher speeds and lower latency of HSPA+, by means of simple software upgrades. The upgrade allows Polkomtel to benefit from greater capacity for managing smart device traffic, therefore improving customer experience, and enabling significant cost savings to Polkomtel because of the lower energy consumption of the network.

Nokia Siemens Networks will also provide its NetAct network management system for efficient operation of the network, as well as installation, integration and care services.

Upgrade of 3G network to meet increased data usage in Japan

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:40:00 +0000

Japanese mobile users are among the most advanced in the world when it comes to consuming digital content over mobile networks. They enjoy not only video and music on the move, but also e-mail, banking, shopping, health and security services - and even manga comics.

- Softbank Mobile had the largest new subscriptions in Japan in 2009
- Recent data traffic boost by the use of smart phones
- Invests in upgrade and enhancement of mobile broadband network

"We have Japan's largest increase in the number of new mobile subscriptions," says Junichi Miyakawa, Executive Vice President, Director and CTO of Softbank Mobile. "Data traffic is growing rapidly every month. In order to meet this increased demand and to ensure continued user quality, we have decided to invest in an upgrade of our mobile broadband network."

Ericsson is selected as the main supplier to upgrade Softbank Mobile's network. Ericsson is delivering RBS6000 HSPA/LTE multi standard base stations and the rollout services to upgrade the network with multi-carrier HSPA technology which provides network speeds up to 42Mbps for the most data dense areas in Japan: the Tokyo, Kansai and Tokai (Nagoya) regions.

Fredrik Alatalo, President of Ericsson Japan, says: "Ericsson is proud to have been selected by Softbank Mobile for this important project. To satisfy Softbank Mobile's demanding consumers, who want to use the latest internet applications on mobile phones, is a challenge, especially in the most traffic dense areas like Tokyo. Our mission is to ensure our long-lasting partner Softbank Mobile a network that provides efficient and attractive services for advanced consumers."

The upgrade starts in the first quarter of 2010 and is planned to be completed within the year.

Aircel launches GSM services in northern India

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:11:00 +0000

Aircel has partnered with Nokia Siemens Networks to roll out, manage radio and core network and services in three Indian states as part of a deal worth in excess of 300 million USD.

Residents of Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan states will soon have access to attractive GSM services from Aircel, the Indian subsidiary of Malaysia’s Maxis Group. As part of growing its pan-Indian presence, Aircel is expected to roll out services in these three circles* in April and has selected Nokia Siemens Networks to supply the GSM network and manage it for four years.

“At Aircel, we have set ourselves ambitious goals to become not only a strong nationwide service provider, but also the operator of choice for millions of Indian subscribers with our proposition of high-quality services,” said Gurdeep Singh, chief operating officer, Aircel. “With Nokia Siemens Networks as our partner, we have launched networks in record time while delivering superior service quality and end-user experience to our customers. We are confident that the company will help us efficiently realize our targets yet again.”

“Aircel has a relentless focus not only on extending its offerings to many more users in the country, but also on providing them unmatched voice, data and value-added services,” said Urs Pennanen, head of the Indian region at Nokia Siemens Networks. “Nokia Siemens Networks is committed to supporting Aircel in its endeavor to offer differentiated services in India’s fast-growing and intensely competitive market with our extensive products, solutions and services portfolio.”

As part of the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will supply the radio, core and microwave network equipment and roll it out quickly and cost efficiently. Its offerings will not only help Aircel reduce its network’s carbon footprint, but also prepare it to launch 3G services in the future.

Nokia Siemens Networks will deliver and implement its Flexi EDGE Base Station and IP-ready FlexiHybrid Microwave radio products, as well as its mobile softswitch core network, and NetAct network management system and NetViewer element manager to help Aircel monitor, manage and optimize the network.

Aircel will benefit from a faster time-to-market and enhanced network performance with Nokia Siemens Networks’ implementation and care services. In addition, under a managed services contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will operate the network in these three circles for four years.

Nokia Siemens Networks has earlier supplied a GSM network and related services to Aircel for the cities of Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai, and is the number one provider of managed services in India.

NSN to cut down Hardware

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:28:00 +0000

At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Nokia Siemens Networks is launching its Open Multimedia Gateway, the first in the market based on ATCA* off-the-shelf hardware. Multimedia gateways handle data and call traffic for IP-based and legacy networks. This new gateway product enhances the company’s portfolio of open and cost-effective core network applications that help operators reduce energy consumption and operating expenses.

“As the telecom industry evolves and matures, it is important that we transform the way we design our products,” said Michael Clever, head of voice and IP transformation at Nokia Siemens Networks. “Our aim is to decouple hardware and software, making our network applications more hardware independent. Decoupling creates a more open environment that gives service providers greater flexibility to meet their hardware requirements and reduce their operational costs.”

By adapting its field-proven core network software to run on off-the-shelf ATCA hardware, Nokia Siemens Networks is allowing service providers to support a greater number of subscribers with a smaller equipment footprint and significant energy savings. Compared to current solutions based on proprietary hardware, the Open Multimedia Gateway cuts power consumption by almost 40 percent. The new gateway also delivers up to four times more capacity per footprint compared to legacy platforms, thus requires less floor space.

By relying on open ATCA platforms, service providers can also combine several core network applications into one hardware rack, again helping reduce space requirements, and improving the management and maintenance of spare parts by having the same hardware used by multiple telecom applications.

In a unique software design, the Nokia Siemens Networks’ gateway software can be used in either legacy hardware or the new ATCA-based Open Multimedia Gateway. This means that service providers can benefit from having the same software running on multiple hardware options. This represents gains not only in network operational efficiency, but also in the speed of launching new services and functionalities.

Movistar Argentina making Cyber customers

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:27:00 +0000

Subscribers of leading Argentine mobile operator Movistar will soon be able to automatically link to their online identities on sites such as Flickr or Facebook through their SIM cards. This will avoid them having to sign-on separately to these sites when sharing photos or updating their status.

Nokia Siemens Networks has provided secure identity management to Movistar, based on its One-NDS* platform. Subscribers will be able to link their identity to other third-party services online and benefit from a unified view of their preferences.

“Argentina is one of the region’s most dynamic and sophisticated mobile markets**, where consumer demand for new services is on the rise,“ said Diego Scalise, value added service manager & senior architect, Movistar Argentina. “We need the right infrastructure to identify and address customer needs clearly and easily, and Nokia Siemens Networks is helping us roll out the sort of services our customers want.”

“In addition to offering value-added services to its users, this unified approach will help Movistar Argentina subscribers unlock the potential of their mobile presence and share it securely with other trusted third parties,“ said Pablo Vita, head of the Movistar Argentina business team at Nokia Siemens Networks. “We expect this to help Movistar increase its revenue and strengthen its market position.”

Under the scope of the three-year deal, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide, integrate and implement subscriber identity management for Movistar Argentina. It will also offer maintenance and support services. Delivery and final acceptance of the project is expected in the first half of 2010.

The project itself will take place in phases, beginning with “single sign-on” and service federation. Single sign-on allows subscribers to access all their different services without the need for logging on to each separately. Service federation will allow Movistar’s own value-added services, like a photo album service, to interwork with web-based services such as Flickr or Facebook.

In later phases, when a true ‘information infrastructure’ has come into reality, Movistar can put its customers’ needs at the very center of its efforts, supporting active online usage and consolidating subscriber data to better satisfy its customers’ requirements. In the next few years, Movistar expects to support thousands of third party applications, what might be called Telco 3.0 web opportunities.

Increase in Mobile Data for Smart Devices

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:24:00 +0000

Nokia Siemens Networks’ chief executive, Rajeev Suri, has outlined the changes required by mobile operators to cope with the huge rise in mobile traffic caused by smart devices. Addressing press and industry analysts attending this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Suri cautioned that if the blunt “just add capacity” approach used by other vendors goes on, this will be enough to bring most networks to a painful, grinding halt.

Nokia Siemens Networks predicts that by 2015, annual mobile data traffic will reach 23 Exabytes - equivalent to 6.3 billion people each downloading a digital book every day. Pure capacity is just one issue, however, as the unique properties of mobility, such as intermittent connectivity and shifting location, coupled with the increasing range of smart devices, require mobile broadband networks to be far more intelligent in their handling of traffic growth.

As an example, having predicted the current surge in smarter mobile devices, Nokia Siemens Networks is the only vendor to have built into its networks an industry standard* – already common in smart phones – that allows it to reduce unprofitable, congestion-causing signaling by three times while increasing smart device battery life.

The company’s overall activities at Mobile World Congress highlight its comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of people who use smart devices. Nokia Siemens Networks’ Experience Center in Hall 8 is centered on three themes aimed squarely at its customers: “Relationships built around insight,” “Solutions built around your business” and “A network built around individuals. The Network of One.”

Highlights among its demonstrations, launches and announcements in Barcelona include:

LTE

Enabling Telefónica to present a live demonstration of LTE (4G mobile broadband) with applications running in a real-network operating across the Congress site, providing a taste of what the future holds.

Demonstrating its support for 4G mobile broadband in China, by showcasing its Femtocell for TD-LTE, at its Experience Center.

WCDMA/HSPA

With over half the world’s 3G (WCDMA/HSPA) subscribers supported by its radio networks, there is a particular emphasis on improving the experience for these users.

Demonstrating HSPA+, a 3.5G mobile broadband technology, at speeds of 112Mbps using Qualcomm terminals.

Last week the company was the first to conduct a call using a network technology known as “continuous packet connectivity” (CPC). Once incorporated into HSPA+ networks, via a simple software upgrade, CPC can double device battery life.

End-to-end IP

Demonstrating its Flexi Network Gateway (NG), part of its evolved packet core that leads the industry in four key dimensions: subscriber sessions, data throughput, intelligent service support and signaling.

Launching two new Microwave backhaul products at the Congress that are needed to transmit the increasing amounts of smart device data between base stations and the core network. The FlexiPacket FirstMile aggregates traffic from mobile base stations and the FlexiPacket Hub 1200, a certified Carrier Ethernet access switch, can provide up to 10 Gbps switching capacity in a single unit.

Launching its Open Multimedia Gateway, the first in the market based on ATCA* off-the-shelf hardware to handle data and voice traffic for IP-based and legacy networks.

Customer experience

Coupled with technological breakthroughs, the company is also providing operators with more intelligence to better serve their customers. It today launched an Insight & Experience Framework that combines the company’s consulting and systems integration expertise with software that can process data related to subscriptions, charging and billing, services and applications, devices, and subscribers’ perception and satisfaction.

An example of its focus on new services for subscribers is the deal also announced today with Movistar in Argentina where Nokia Siemens Networks is linking network authentication via the SIM cards in smart phones with web single sign-on to automate logging on to third-party sites online such as Flickr or Facebook.

Nokia Siemens Network have poor battery life

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:44:00 +0000

Nokia Siemens Networks has successfully conducted the world’s first call using a network technology known as “continuous packet connectivity” (CPC). Once incorporated into an operator’s HSPA+ radio access network, CPC will enable 3G users to enjoy significantly longer device battery life, a crucial issue as the use of smartphones for broadband services skyrockets. CPC can mean up to 100 percent longer battery life when devices are used for data applications, and up to 50 percent during voice calls. The CPC data call was made using network equipment from Nokia Siemens Networks and a device supplied by Qualcomm using the QSC6295™ chipset.

“Nokia Siemens Networks is focused on innovations that benefit both operators and end-users,” said Tommi Uitto, head of Network Systems product management at Nokia Siemens Networks. “With CPC, subscribers will enjoy an improved mobile data experience, while operators will benefit from enhanced network capacity -- even with heavy smartphone use -- due to less interference in the radio connection, not to mention higher revenues due to increased usage of the service.”

Michael Thelander, chief executive officer of the analysis firm Signals Research Group, LLC, explains, “While a lot of attention gets paid to the higher data rates associated with HSPA+, 3G operators are actually placing equal or even greater emphasis on other key HSPA+ features, such as discontinuous data reception and transmission, which can dramatically extend the battery life and improve overall network efficiency.”

During extended HSPA data sessions, there are typically long periods of idle time between transmissions of data packets, during which a device continues to use its battery. The CPC feature of 3GPP Release 7 uses the “discontinuous transmission and reception” method to shut down the device’s transmitter and receiver during the idle phases to reduce power consumption. It has no effect on the actual data rates experienced by the end-user.

“At Qualcomm, we are committed to driving the evolution of technology features that provide the maximum benefit to end-users,” said Alex Katouzian, vice president of product management for Qualcomm CDMA Technologies. “The CPC feature further enhances the HSPA+ mobile broadband experience for end-users by allowing them to enjoy these services without worrying about device battery life.”

Nokia Siemens Networks’ Flexi Base Station and radio network controller can support the CPC feature with a simple software upgrade. The company is the leader in driving Evolved HSPA, also known as HSPA+. In May 2009, Nokia Siemens Networks and Elisa Finland made the world's first circuit-switched call over HSPA, which allows operators to simplify and cost-effectively increase voice capacity of their 3G networks.

Tunisiana Plans to be more Flexible

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:43:00 +0000

Tunisiana’s subscribers will soon enjoy an increased range of mobile services along with the choice of combining pre- or postpaid payment methods. The operator has upgraded to Nokia Siemens Networks’ unified charging and billing solution, giving its subscribers the freedom and flexibility to opt for more than one payment scheme within a single subscription.

“Tunisiana wants to remain the market innovator with new value-added services and tariff models,” said Hatem Mestiri, chief technology officer, Tunisiana. “Nokia Siemens Networks’ unified charging and billing solution will underpin a range of innovative and flexible services, not to mention enable credit control across our customer base, that will improve our competitiveness and service differentiation.”

“Making the shift to a customer-centric approach brings significant advantages such as improved efficiency and reduced operational costs,” added Houssem Eddine Ben Othman, country director for Tunisia at Nokia Siemens Networks. “Additionally, a shorter time to market with off-the-shelf marketing scenarios will enable Tunisiana to generate new revenue streams and reduce churn.”

To help Tunisiana undertake this shift, Nokia Siemens Networks is deploying its modular and scalable charge@once unified charging and billing solution, providing a risk-free and smooth migration towards a convergent charging and billing environment that can serve any kind of network. The solution provides Tunisiana with a ‘360° online view’ of the customer and its layered architecture allows operators to offer the same services to all types of customers, whether prepaid, postpaid or hybrid.

For example, with the solution Tunisiana can set personal limits on the amount of mobile data traffic, provide separate billing for business and private use of the same phone, or support community charging and shared accounts between the members of families or enterprises.

MobileOne Produces High Speed Data Calls

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:41:00 +0000

MobileOne (M1), the leading mobile operator in Singapore, has today successfully completed a 100 Mbps data call on its Long Term Evolution (LTE) trial network. This makes it the first South Asian operator to achieve this milestone on commercial LTE hardware and software. The call was made at M1’s flagship store in Singapore, where the operator is trialing and showcasing applications over LTE together with its partner Nokia Siemens Networks.

“I am delighted with the completion of today’s data call, which met our requirements for low latency, high speed, and reliability,” said Patrick Scodeller, chief technical officer at M1. “The ongoing trial will let us obtain firsthand experience of Nokia Siemens Networks’ commercially ready LTE hardware and software, based on its Flexi Multiradio base stations. Our network modernization contract with Nokia Siemens Networks represents the first steps in our evolution towards LTE, and this trial helps pave the way to faster and better quality mobile broadband services in the future.“

“LTE will not only enable a rich end-user experience but also help drive new business opportunities for operators like M1,” said Ricky Corker, head of Asia Pacific, Nokia Siemens Networks. “The technology is rapidly approaching commercial introduction in many markets, and trials such as these are proof of LTE’s potential to deliver fantastic mobile broadband.”

M1 will be showcasing High Definition (HD) TV streaming, as well as high-speed file download over an LTE network at its flagship store until end March 2010.

Nokia Siemens Networks develope play services

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:18:00 +0000

Insight Communications customers will soon enjoy increased bandwidth for triple play services. One of North America’s leading cable operators, Insight Communications is upgrading its network using Nokia Siemens Networks’ optical transport and Metro Ethernet technology to deliver better services, improving the overall experience of its customers.

“Our customers expect top-quality phone, broadband and digital cable services,” said Jerry Knights, vice president for engineering, Insight Communications. “This network expansion will enhance our ability to bundle these services, offering our customers greater choice and convenience. We appreciate the value Nokia Siemens Networks brings with its resilient and seamless transport platform, not to mention its unique integrated approach to network management.”

Nokia Siemens Networks will deploy its flexible, cost-effective hiT 7300 metro DWDM (dense wavelength division multiplexing) platform, optimized for high-capacity transport across metro and long-haul networks. At the same time, the company’s system for managing optical networks will help Insight Communications speed up the introduction and delivery of new services. As part of the project, Nokia Siemens Networks will deploy its A-Series Carrier Ethernet switches.

“An increasingly competitive market landscape demands that cable operators emphasize and deliver a differentiated service,” said Ric Herald, head of multiple systems operators business, Nokia Siemens Networks. “Our transport solutions will allow Insight Communications to address network layer challenges cohesively and competently, providing them with a single point of contact to ensure smooth delivery and the required edge for enhanced triple-play”

Telefonica and Nokia Siemens Network Put On A Show

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:16:00 +0000

Telefónica, a world wide leading communication service provider, is on the forefront of the evolution of existing 2G/3G networks towards LTE. At Mobile World Congress 2010 in Barcelona, Telefónica together with Nokia Siemens Networks will present a live LTE demonstration with high-speed mobile broadband applications in a real-network environment.

“As a service provider, we are committed to constant innovation so we can improve our subscriber experience,” said Vicente San Miguel, chief technology officer at Telefónica S.A, “As the needs of our customers grow and mature, LTE is the way to go, and we are proud to say that we are among the first in the world to demonstrate LTE services using commercial hardware. With this demonstration, we want to underline Telefónica’s leadership in the future of mobile broadband, and our willingness to continue delivering to our customers new and more advanced services every day.”

The demo, which comprises LTE radio and core network equipment from Nokia Siemens Networks in a real-network environment and using pre-commercial LTE terminals, will show attractive mobile broadband applications with real mobility. Telefónica will show the capability to rapidly download high-resolution videos both on its booth (Hall 8 stand 8A115) and in a moving van on the streets of Barcelona around the FIRA exhibition center served by a live LTE base station on an existing Telefónica site. Visitors will also be able to experience the advantages of LTE by comparing download times and image quality of the same video across an existing HSPA network. Other applications on show include LTE powered video conferencing.

“This implementation will illustrate the high throughput performance and low latency of LTE as well as the commercial readiness of our LTE products,“ said Marc Rouanne, head of Network Systems at Nokia Siemens Networks. “We have a long and successful track record of collaboration with Telefónica and are one of its main partners in the deployment of mobile radio networks around the world. It is great to be able to showcase with Telefónica the possibilities LTE holds for the future and our capabilities.”

The LTE demos will be based on the award winning and commercially available Flexi Multiradio base station with standard compliant LTE software from Nokia Siemens Networks covering two locations: Telefónica’s booth and the area around the exhibition center. The Nokia Siemens Networks Flexi Network Server and Flexi Network Gateway will provide evolved packet core functionality in the demonstration.

Nokia Siemens Network make new Partnership with The Qtel Group

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:53:00 +0000

Framework agreement covers purchase of leading mobile network infrastructure and support services.

Qtel International has concluded a major framework agreement (FA) with Nokia Siemens Networks to support its long-term development strategy across international markets.

As part of the agreement, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide its leading mobile infrastructure technology across the operations of The Qtel Group. Included in this infrastructure is the deployment of its market-leading energy-efficient Flexi base stations and other innovative network systems and services.

Dr. Nasser Marafih, chief executive officer of The Qtel Group, said: “This is a partnership for the future, which will ensure the highest quality of network development supporting our strategy for business growth. The Qtel Group is able to deliver world-class services to our customers because of the strong foundations of our network infrastructure, and the support of Nokia Siemens Networks will provide essential resources as we continue to enhance our operations.”

Nokia Siemens Networks will enable The Qtel Group to increase network capacity and coverage and enhance the quality of experience delivered to its customers. In addition, by enhancing operational capacity, The Qtel Group will be better positioned to manage customer demand. Further advantages include reduction of overall environmental impact by cutting energy use throughout its operations.

“We will empower The Qtel Group to offer the best possible experience to its end customers,” said Rajeev Suri, chief executive officer, Nokia Siemens Networks. “We aim to ensure a smooth migration to the next generation of smartphone-ready, valued-added services across the group.”

Under the FA, standard terms and volume-based discounted pricing for network equipment will be available to companies of The Qtel Group. The FA has an initial term of one year and may be extended at Qtel International’s option for up to two additional years.

“Such rapid growth across mature and developing markets requires advanced and scalable network infrastructure,” added Qais Esrawee, head of the QTel customer business team at Nokia Siemens Networks. “That is why we have a dedicated team in Doha who will work with The Qtel Group to streamline the launch of new upgrades across markets to optimize end-user demand.”

Qtel has grown rapidly in recent years, from a one-country operator serving its home nation of Qatar to a major regional integrated solution provider serving an addressable population of more than 660 million people in the Middle East, North Africa, the Asian subcontinent and South-East Asia.

Vesta Launches New Fast Safe Secure Platform for Mobile Phones

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:59:00 +0000

Vesta Corporationa global pioneer and leader in electronic payment solutions, today announced the availability of version 5.0 of its industry-leading secure Mobile Payment Platform. The new platform enables wireless operators worldwide to increase subscriber ARPU, accept more payment types and achieve Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance through a managed service that includes a portfolio of new payment services and features.

“Vesta’s new payment platform offers a wide range of benefits to mobile operators,” said Chris Parsons, chief marketing officer at Vesta Corporation. “In addition to facilitating secure transactions, operators can also enjoy significant time to market advantages and a full suite of innovative features. Having processed hundreds of millions of transactions, Vesta has the experience, knowledge and agility to effectively deliver the payment technology desired by mobile operators and their subscribers.”

For operators, the 5.0 version of the Mobile Payment Platform offers a dynamic business reporting portal and Vesta’s token service that provides robust self-care functions and isolates operators from PCI compliance requirements. Enhancements for mobile subscribers include Vesta’s quick code functionality which enables even faster payments through multiple channels; wallet functions supporting multiple users and payment devices; and the integration of social networking applications where subscribers can request, send and receive payment-related gifts.

With the growth of mobile payments, and the increased diversity of new payment channels and methods, Vesta continues to place utmost importance on safeguarding the security and privacy of customer payment information. Vesta’s Mobile Payment Platform is fully compliant with the PCI data security standard (PCI DSS) as mandated by the payment card networks, ensuring best practices when handling sensitive card holder information. This compliance relieves the operator from the costs and burdens of maintaining compliance themselves, even through emerging channels like handset applications.

Another key benefit of the Mobile Payment Platform is that it allows operators to increase subscriber ARPU while reducing churn. This is accomplished through Vesta’s patented, industry-leading fraud engine which increases the rate of successful payments, and by analyzing the customer data that flows through the Mobile Payment Platform. Vesta helps mobile operators better understand customer behavior by analyzing payment usage and demographic data, allowing the operator to effectively up sell and cross sell, establish targeted marketing campaigns and optimize their prepaid and postpaid subscriber portfolios.

“As mobile consumers’ payment preferences evolve and they pay via increasingly diverse methods, more and more mobile operators are embracing the flexibility, convenience and security our platform delivers,” continued Parsons. “Vesta’s new Mobile Payment Platform release enables operators to ensure customer needs are met as seamlessly and securely as possible.”

Accumulate Guarantees Increased Revenues for Pre-loaded Mobile Games

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:45:00 +0000

Accumulate UK Limited, the company that provides flexible pricing solutions for mobile retailers, today announced that it can guarantee an increase in content revenues for mobile operators that choose to use its Flexion service for preloading.

Accumulate is making this guarantee based on its experience of successfully running a number of preload programmes for major global operators over the past two years.

“We guarantee that any operator or device manufacturer will see a surge in content revenues by enabling preloaded games with Flexion. It is simply not a viable option to preload content without this kind of technology anymore and we can show how much more revenue a Flexion preload programme can generate,” said Jens Lauritzson, MD of Accumulate.

Powered by the Flexion wrapper, the Flexion preload service allows mobile operators and device manufactures to preload full versions of Java and Android games and apps onto handsets and to then offer free trials. These preloaded items feature in-application billing and operators have the ability to offer “Try & Buy” as well as multiple pricing options with ease.

Through the Flexion wrapper’s streamlined enabling process, the cost is reduced compared to existing preload programmes and there is no longer the need to create bespoke demo versions of preloaded content.

The simple and seamless user experience increases conversion rates compared with traditional demo versions, enhances user satisfaction and generates extra income without additional effort. Each preloaded item can also be configured to feature Flexion Discovery, an in-wrapper browser to enable on-device up-selling. Flexion Discovery promotes appropriate content at the point of purchase and creates additional revenue opportunities.

“Our experience shows that if four or five games are preloaded on a device, at least one will be purchased within 12 months. Not only that, but Flexion will also promote additional content, effectively turning the preloaded game into a fully functioning shop. It is all about on-device retailing and making it easy for the customer to find and buy content,” Lauritzson continued.

The fully dynamic Flexion service allows operators to create a range of retail offers for users, such as “Try & Buy” through to “All you can eat models”. “Try and Buy” features can be tailored to match the character of the game and when expired customers can spend with one click.

“We are expecting 2010 to be the year when nearly all major operators look to employ “wrapping” technology for their mobile content. The benefits are plain to see with increased revenues and increased consumer satisfaction,” concluded Jens Lauritzson, MD of Accumulate.

Accumulate already enables preloaded content on 3UK, O2 and Sony-Ericsson and will be attending Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Vodacom Tanzania subscribers enjoy their benefits

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:31:00 +0000

Vodacom Tanzania prepaid subscribers can now enjoy the same promotional campaigns and value-added services as their postpaid counterparts, and vice versa, without compromising on the convenience of their payment style. The country’s leading communications service provider is upgrading to Nokia Siemens Networks’ unified charging and billing solution – a single modular system serving prepaid, postpaid and hybrid subscribers alike that enables a personalized customer service approach through a suite of flexible, convergent services.

“Tanzania holds all the characteristics of a growing mobile market – a predominantly prepaid subscriber base that is cash-driven and typically generates low revenues per user,” said Dietlof Mare, managing director, Vodacom Tanzania. “Staying competitive demands delivering new features and services to this growing segment. The Nokia Siemens Networks solution will enable us to do just that – broadening usage across businesses, families and communities.”

Nokia Siemens Networks will deploy its solution – based on the “charge@once unified” software – that allows predefined marketing scenarios to be activated on demand. This ready-to-deploy delivery framework enables Vodacom to access and analyze current market segments, choose the appropriate features to attract additional subscribers and usage, improve time to market for new services and, most importantly, increase subscriber loyalty.

Vodacom plans to leverage the software to promote convergent services for the high-end corporate segment. These customers will be able to post-pay their employees’ usage during business hours, while the employees continue to maintain a prepaid connection at other times. The convenience of such offerings will allow Vodacom to personalize its customers’ service experience, while exploring new revenue opportunities.

“Innovative, convergent offerings will widen the choice for the subscriber, increasing usage and customer satisfaction and reducing churn,” said Deon Geyser, head of Vodacom Tanzania customer team at Nokia Siemens Networks. “What’s more – this approach keeps costs in check and improves time to market for new services.”

Actix to Supply Centralized LTE SON System

noreply@blogger.com (MobileGuru) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:22:00 +0000

Actix, a leader in radio network status management and optimization, has announced that it has signed a major contract to provide centralized Self-Organizing Network (SON) technology for next generation LTE mobile networks to NEC Corporation (NEC), a world leading vendor of LTE systems. The agreement covers the delivery of an operational centralized SON solution for global operators deploying NEC LTE networks.

Centralized SON (C-SON) functionality is part of the 3GPP standard for 4th Generation mobile networks and enables the planning, rollout and operation of networks at greatly reduced operational cost whilst also improving customer network experience. The joint Actix / NEC solution will provide a full suite of SON use cases to support LTE self-planning, self-optimization, and self-healing of the LTE radio access network.

Actix’ contract to provide C-SON systems to NEC is a multi-year commitment, and is the largest contract placed to date in the LTE SON space.

“Actix SON fits perfectly into our vision of an efficient LTE system and this agreement will help us drive the deployment of many new LTE networks,” said Kazuya Hashimoto, General Manager, Mobile Radio Access Division for NEC Corporation. “With a remarkable history as leaders in RAN engineering and optimization, advanced expertise in LTE technologies and considerable investment in building SON systems to date, Actix is uniquely positioned to provide C-SON capabilities very rapidly.”

NEC has selected Actix to help plan, deploy and manage 4G networks using centralized SON systems in accordance with the recently defined 3GPP and NGMN SON recommendations. The combined NEC / Actix solution will address challenges such as wide area performance optimization, reactions to network disruption and energy saving.

“Self-optimizing networks are central to Actix’ long term vision of allowing operators to maximize customer experience at reduced operational cost, and many of the capabilities we have built and acquired have been targeted at creating an exceptional SON system,“ said Bill McHale, Actix CEO. “SON is essential to efficiently manage LTE networks and it’s exciting to see our long term investment in the right capabilities come to fruition through this partnership with NEC. Actix is leading the SON market and by partnering with companies such as NEC we are enabling operators globally to benefit from centralized SON systems for LTE.”

“NEC is one of the largest technology and systems integration companies worldwide, always at the forefront of innovative technologies and advancements in the RAN and it is great to see such a long term, high value commitment to centralized SON solutions as part of its LTE offering. NEC is seeking to drive the deployment of LTE-based next generation mobile networks and everyone at Actix is delighted to be a key part of that movement,” McHale continued.

Based on the widely deployed ActixOne RAN status management platform, and leveraging Actix’ twenty years of experience in radio network optimization, the solution will be deployed in Tier 1 LTE networks from early 2010.

By selecting Actix’ C-SON solution, NEC is able to deliver a full end-to-end self-optimizing solution for LTE and accelerate the rollout of new, low operating cost mobile broadband networks, systems and services for mobile operators.