Portugal Telecom, a top 30 global telecom operator has selected Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider to launch commercial LTE services in Portugal using the industry leading Huawei SingleRAN LTE solution.

To retain its position as a leader in broadband, Portugal Telecom, the largest telecom operator in the country, decided to provide LTE network enabled mobile broadband (MBB) services to its customers, selecting Huawei as its preferred technology partner due to its extensive experience in commercial LTE deployment and delivery, both in Europe and globally.

By implementing Huawei's SingleRAN LTE solution, Portugal Telecom will integrate existing GSM networks and new LTE networks on a single platform, offering data speeds up to 150Mb/s and providing end users with seamless mobile services. The new LTE network will enable rich multimedia applications such as video conferencing, high definition content transmission, high speed video downloads and social network updates, giving customers an unparalleled mobile broadband experience.

Alfredo Baptista, CTO of Portugal Telecom, said, "Portugal Telecom is pleased to have Huawei as our strategic partner for the important launch of commercial LTE services in Portugal. We are committed to providing our customers with the best mobile broadband experience and believe that the best way to do this is by implementing Huawei's innovative solution and drawing upon its rich commercial experience."

Ying Weimin, President of GSM&UMTS&LTE Networks for Huawei's Wireless Network Business Unit, said: "Our successful LTE partnership with Portugal Telecom is evidence of how successful our SingleRAN LTE solution is in helping operators cope with the challenges of simultaneously operating multiple networks to meet mobile broadband demands. In continuing to focus on customer centric innovation, we remain committed to being the best business partner for all of our customers worldwide."

According to the May 8, 2012 "Evolution to LTE" GSA report, 72 commercial LTE networks have been launched globally, of which 34 LTE networks were deployed by Huawei.