StarHub, the second largest mobile operator in Singapore, has selected Nokia Siemens Networks as its LTE (4G) mobile broadband infrastructure and services vendor.

In order to meet the fast growing demand for smartphone data services, the operator will refarm its 1800MHz GSM band to carry LTE services. 

The first phase of StarHub’s LTE network is expected to go live by the end of 2012, covering key business areas such as the Singapore Changi Airport, Marina Bay, Suntec, and Shenton Way. As part of the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will also modernize StarHub’s GSM network, helping the operator reduce power consumption generated by network equipment by up to 50%. The efficient use of resources is in line with StarHub’s commitment to act in an environmentally responsible manner throughout its operations.

“We are constantly looking at ways to provide our subscribers the greatest mobile broadband experience, and Nokia Siemens Networks has the best solutions for it. With the launch of LTE, we will be able to increase our data capacity and offer improved speeds. We have also been looking to modernize our GSM network for some time and with the Nokia Siemens Networks Single RAN platform, we’ll be able to do that efficiently while building the LTE network,” said Neil Montefiore, chief executive officer at StarHub.

“With spectrum being a scarce resource, it needs to be optimally utilized. The increasing use of smartphones and data hungry applications is putting a huge pressure on existing spectrum making refarming a viable option for operators,” added Paul Tyler, head of Asia Pacific region at Nokia Siemens Networks. “By allocating existing GSM spectrum to LTE, StarHub can cost-efficiently offer 4G mobile broadband services to its customers.”

Nokia Siemens Networks will provide StarHub its Single RAN platform, built around the compact, energy efficient Flexi Multiradio Base Station, which will enable StarHub to run GSM and LTE concurrently on the 1800 MHz band. The company will also provide its Evolved Packet Core platform including Flexi NS (Network Server) and Flexi NG (Network Gateway). In addition, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide software for personalized customer experience management, including Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) andOne-NDS subscriber data management (SDM).

Nokia Siemens Networks will also upgrade its NetAct network management system to enable a consolidated and effective monitoring, management and optimization of StarHub’s LTE and GSM networks. Support services from Nokia Siemens Networks include network implementation, consulting for PCRF, and full set of hardware and software care services including spare part management, emergency support, software maintenance and third-party software support.