Nokia Siemens Networks has signed a pact with Indosat, Indonesia’s leading mobile operator to provide GSM and 3G mobile broadband infrastructure and services to deliver mobile services in 900 Mhz in Central and East Java, Sumatra, and Kalimantan.

Nokia Siemens Networks will support Indosat in deploying Indonesia’s first commercial network to deliver 3G services in the 900 MHz band. The new 3G service became available in Bukit Tinggi and Padang in West Sumatra on October 6, with the remaining regions across Central & East Java, Kalimantan and Sumatra coming up soon.

The operator is using its existing 900 MHz for 3G services as permitted by a recent cellular license. Nokia Siemens Networks will also modernize Indosat’s GSM and 3G networks. The company will be Indosat’s exclusive vendor for radio access network (RAN) modernization in Central and East Java, Kalimantan and Sumatra. Indosat can now provide its customers with improved coverage, speed and quality of 3G data.

Nokia Siemens Networks’ technology and services will enable Indosat to run GSM and 3G concurrently on the 900 MHz band. At the same time, Indosat will enjoy high scalability, enhanced capacity and complete software-defined configuration of the new generation of Nokia Siemens Networks’ radio network controllers. The company is providing Indosat with its Single RAN solution, built around its compact, energy-efficient Flexi Multiradio 10 Base Station, Multicontroller Base Station Controller (BSC) and Multicontroller Radio Network Controller (RNC).

By implementing the Single RAN and Flexi Multiradio 10 Base Station, WCDMA and GSM services share a common platform which allows each pair of technologies to be delivered by a single radio module. By deploying Nokia Siemens Networks’ Liquid Radio GSM Software Suite, Indosat will enjoy high spectral efficiency of the spectrum frequency.
 
“With Indonesia’s first 3G 900 network in West Sumatra, our users can enjoy greater coverage, faster data speeds, as well as high quality voice and data services. For example, HSPA coverage in rural areas and indoor coverage in urban areas will be greatly improved”, said Hans C. Moritz, director and chief technology officer at Indosat.
 
As part of the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks is also upgrading its NetAct network management system to enable consolidated and effective monitoring, management and optimization of Indosat’s GSM and 3G networks. Support services from Nokia Siemens Networks include network implementation, a full set of hardware and software care services with spare part management, emergency support, software maintenance and third-party software support and training.
 
“The contract with Indosat to modernize its existing network and enable the first commercial 3G 900 network in the country marks an important milestone in our business,” said Dharmesh Malhotra, head of Indonesia at Nokia Siemens Networks. “It further strengthens our relationship with Indonesia’s premier operator. We remain committed to helping Indosat address the rapidly growing demand for high-speed data services.”