Newsdesk

Zain KSA selects Nokia Siemens Networks

12/06/2012

Saudi Arabian operator Zain KSA has selected Nokia Siemens Networks as its LTE (4G) mobile broadband infrastructure and services vendor for Jeddah, the country’s second largest city. The operator aims to address the growing demand for mobile broadband and smartphone data services by refarming its 1800 MHz GSM frequency band to offer 4G services. As part of the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will also manage Zain KSA’s 4G network in Jeddah, in addition to the operator’s existing GSM and 3G networks in the city. Nokia Siemens Networks will provide its Single RAN (radio access network) platform, based on the compact, energy efficient Flexi Multiradio Base Station for 4G deployment and 3G network modernization. Optimized backhaul will be provided by FlexiPacket Microwave platform. As part of the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will upgrade and expand Zain’s legacy Home Location Register (HLR) to the latest, One NDS subscriber data management solution, supporting a total of 25 million subscribers’ mobile services, including 4G. This solution will allow Zain to meet market demands, cover capacity requirements and generate operational savings. Nokia Siemens Networks will also provide its NetAct platform for efficient monitoring, management and optimization of Zain KSA’s LTE network.

Using its professional services capabilities, Nokia Siemens Networks will manage the operator’s 4G network, in addition to GSM and 3G networks in Jeddah, and will provide network implementation services. The company already manages the customer’s networks that carry over 700 million subscribers worldwide and has provided planning and optimization for over 23 commercial 4G roll outs.