STC awards NSN 4G network contract

STC has selected Nokia Siemens Networks(NSN) to upgrade its nationwide GSM and 3G networks and expand its commercial 4G (TD-LTE) network. NSN is now responsible for building one-third of STC’s nationwide 4G network. STC announced the launch of its commercial 4G network using TD-LTE equipment from NSN in September 2011.

As part of the contract, NSN is modernising STC’s GSM and 3G networks to its Single RAN (radio access network) platform based on the Flexi Multiradio Base Station. The company is deploying its 4G radio network infrastructure across 2,500 STC sites over the next two years. NSN is also providing its FlexiPacket Microwave transport platform, which is a common transport medium for STC’s GSM, 3G and 4G networks with on-air speed of up to 400Mbps.

NSN’s Self-Organising Networks (SON) suite, part of the company’s Liquid Radio, enables straightforward plug-and-play 4G base station rollout. This results in operational and capital cost savings, while also improving customer experience by ensuring 4G base stations always deliver their peak performance.

As part of the contract, NSN is also upgrading its NetAct network management system to enable effective monitoring, management and operation of STC’s GSM, 3G and 4G networks. In addition, the company is providing services such as network implementation with project management capabilities for rapid and efficient network roll-out. It is also providing care services that include hardware, software maintenance and competence development. NSN already operates and optimises STC’s GSM and 3G radio networks as part of a separate managed services contract.