Dec 16, 2010 13:43 GMT  ·  By

Elisa, one of the most important Finnish network carriers has recently announced that it has contracted Nokia Siemens Networks to build its first phase Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. In addition, as part of the agreement, Nokia Siemens Networks will modernize Elisa's GSM and 3G networks with Single Radio Access Network (RAN).

Nokia Siemens Networks is expected to deploy its Flexi Multiradio Base Stations and high capacity Multicontroller platform solutions in the network, which will significantly decrease the operational costs for Elisa's GSM, 3G and LTE networks.

Furthermore, Elisa's subscribers will experience better 3G quality and coverage, as well as data speeds of up to 100 Mbps with 4G/LTE technology.

“Choosing a local Finnish vendor, Nokia Siemens Networks, across our 4G, 3G and GSM technologies further tightens the good relationship between the companies. We are well prepared for providing a fantastic end user experience in new services via the 4G/LTE network,” said Timo Katajisto, executive vice president, Elisa.

“In parallel, we will significantly expand the 3G service and modernize the GSM network. This will guarantee also in the future the industry leading mobile broadband performance we already have for our customers,” added Katajisto.

Other solutions provided by Nokia Siemens Networks include: Quality of Service functionality, new HSPA features, as well as NetAct network management platform to monitor, manage and optimize the LTE network.

“We share a long history with Elisa since the first GSM call in 1991 and we are committed in building Elisa’s new LTE network with the same pioneering enthusiasm and to providing the best and most cost-efficient solution for evolving all three radio technologies into one single radio access network (single RAN),” said Esa Harju, head of the Nordic and Baltic business, Nokia Siemens Networks.

“Our strengthened cooperation will continue to improve Elisa’s already excellent network quality. This upgrade will not merely ensure savings in operational costs, but also the best mobile broadband experience for Elisa’s customers as a result of faster data speeds and superior service quality,” continued Harju.