Nokia Expands Wataniya Telecom's HSDPA Network in Kuwait
ESPOO, Finland, October 16// -- Nokia (NYSE:NOK) has won a contract to expand Wataniya Telecom's High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) radio and core network in Kuwait, increasing its capacity and extending the HSDPA network coverage to new areas.
In addition to the 3.6 Mbps HSDPA radio network, Nokia will provide Wataniya Telecom with a core network upgrade, including packet core equipment and the Nokia MSC Server mobile softswitch; and a range of services, including network planning, consulting, systems integration, implementation, pre-launch optimization, maintenance, and care services. Deliveries have already begun.
"There is growing demand for mobile data services among our customers in Kuwait, so in order to serve our customers better we decided to expand our existing HSDPA network and extend the service to new areas. Nokia's high-quality solutions and unfailing support make the company a trusted supplier," said Harri Koponen, General Manager & CEO, Wataniya Telecom.
"Nokia's simple HSDPA software upgrade enables Wataniya to offer their customers mobile broadband services cost-efficiently. We are committed to supporting Wataniya in introducing new services in Kuwait and providing them with Nokia's end-to-end expertise ranging from network equipment and services to devices," said Walid Moneimne, Senior Vice President, Networks, Nokia.
Previously, Nokia has supplied Wataniya Telecom's core network, upgraded its GSM radio network with EDGE, and supplied the WCDMA 3G/HSDPA radio network in order to run advanced services such as video calling, video sharing, and push to talk.
High performance Nokia HSPA is a simple software upgrade to Nokia WCDMA networks, thus enabling a fast, cost-effective rollout. Nokia HSPA is made up of two key technologies, HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) and HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), enabling true mobile broadband with breakthrough data speeds of up to 14.4 Mbps in the downlink and up to 5.8 Mbps in the uplink.
Nokia HSDPA offers almost 10-times faster data services than current 3G networks, generating an enhanced service experience. Nokia is a leader in the HSDPA market, with a large number of HSDPA contracts. Many network operators have already opened their HSDPA networks with the Nokia solution.
Nokia is creating seamless user experiences in converging networks thanks to mobile softswitching and IMS for fixed and mobile. With over 115 customers for its mobile softswitching and over 50 live networks, Nokia is clearly the most experienced mobile softswitching supplier worldwide.
About Wataniya
Launched in December 1999, Wataniya Telecom has been a driving force in increasing the mobile communications market penetration in Kuwait to over 80 percent of the population. With operations in Kuwait, Iraq, Tunisia and Algeria, Wataniya Telecom is actively expanding its presence within the MENA (Middle East North Africa) region. Serving over 3 million customers in its operations, Wataniya Telecom has built its success on a customer focused strategy based on the philosophy that everything the company does must bring it closer to its customers. The company provides a wide range of leading edge wireless voice and data services delivered with high quality and designed to meet customer requirements.
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.
www.nokia.com
Source: Nokia
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