SOFTBANK MOBILE  has selected Nokia Siemens Networks to supply, deploy and integrate its 4G, FDD-LTE (Frequency Division Duplex Long Term Evolution) network to upgrade its mobile broadband capability across Japan.

SOFTBANK MOBILE expects to offer LTE services in autumn 2012. Under a separate contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will also expand SOFTBANK MOBILE’s HSPA+ network to enable new services using the recently allocated 900 MHz frequency band.

Junichi Miyakawa, Executive Vice President, Director and CTO at SOFTBANK MOBILE said, “SOFTBANK MOBILE is witnessing a major upsurge in subscriber numbers with now over 28 million customers.

We are committed to providing people with the best mobile internet experience through the launch of 4G, using FDD-LTE, and enhanced, nationwide, HSPA+ network coverage. Nokia Siemens Networks’ mobile broadband technology and services will help us deliver on this commitment. Importantly, Nokia Siemens Networks’ familiarity with our existing network environment offers cost savings as well as enables a faster roll-out of high-quality mobile broadband services.”

“By launching new LTE services later this year, SOFTBANK MOBILE will reaffirm its leadership as an operator that constantly evolves and adapts to new technologies,” said Takayuki Kanda, head of the SoftBank customer team at Nokia Siemens Networks.

“In addition, in moving to 900MHz, a frequency used for HSPA+ around the world, SOFTBANK MOBILE will be able to effectively expand its HSPA+ network coverage, capacity and device portfolio. Our global expertise enables us to roll-out SOFTBANK MOBILE’s new and expanded nationwide networks in a flexible and cost efficient manner, covering rural areas and major cities including Sapporo, Sendai and Fukuoka.”

Nokia Siemens Networks will deploy its award-winning Flexi Multiradio Base Station for both SOFTBANK MOBILE’s FDD-LTE network and HSPA+ network expansion. It will also provide optimized backhaul transport with its FlexiPacket Microwave platform.

Support services for SOFTBANK MOBILE’s LTE network deployment include network implementation and system integration, while for the HSPA+ network expansion, Nokia Siemens Networks will also provide site acquisition, making it a turnkey project.

Nokia Siemens Networks will also update its network management system NetAct to enable consolidated monitoring, management and optimization of the operator’s LTE and HSPA+ networks.