Telefónica Spain to Upgrade 3G Network to 42Mbps

Nokia Siemens Networks, leading infrastructure solutions provider, announced today that it has been selected by Telefónica Spain for the deployment of a 3G network upgrade. According to the company, the HSPA+ upgrade will result in increased data download speeds from 7.2 Mbps to 42 Mbps over the following three years, in a move expected to lay the grounds for the next generation mobile communications technologies.

“As subscriber demand grows, delivering a world-class mobile broadband experience requires a strong technology foundation,” says Carlos Calvo, head of Technology, Operations & Systems at Telefónica Spain. “Through this project we will significantly improve our overall network performance allowing us to continue offering the best available mobile broadband services to our customers. Moreover, as Nokia Siemens Networks solution is highly energy-efficient, this will support our commitment to environmental sustainability and lower our operational costs.”

According to the agreement between the two companies, Nokia Siemens Networks is set to deliver new functionalities for the carrier so as to help it meet increasing demand from customers in areas like speed, bandwidth and new services. Telefónica’s network will be upgraded to evolved High Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), and the enhancement is expected to offer the possibility to deliver 3G and GSM access at the same time on the 900 MHz band as soon as authorities allow it.

Moreover, Nokia Siemens Networks revealed that the project would use its LTE-ready Flexi Base Stations, a platform offering flexibility, energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. The company notes that the yearly decrease in energy consumption resulting from the enhancements brought to the network will equal 27.000 MWh, or the energy consumption of 6.750 Spanish homes. In addition, the infrastructure provider will also deliver its NetAct network management system to the carrier, enabling an efficient monitoring, management and optimization of the network.

“Telefónica is committed to continuous innovation, as well as improving the quality and breadth of its service offerings as a key factor to maintain its leadership,” says Pentti Tolonen, head of Telefónica Spain Customer Team at Nokia Siemens Networks. “With our expertise and technology, Telefónica will improve network capacity, smart device signalling capability and ensure high quality advanced wireless services both today and in the future.”