GO makes multi-million investment in mobile network

St. Julian’s, Malta –

Nokia Siemens Networks to overhaul operator’s network for improved coverage, faster data speeds

GO, Malta’s leading quad-play communications provider, will soon be offering faster mobile broadband and more reliable voice services to its subscribers. The operator is revamping its existing GSM and 3G networks through the replacement of the current infrastructure and doubling the number of base stations to provide high quality network and reliable voice and mobile data connections both indoors and outdoors. GO has selected Nokia Siemens Networks to provide the new radio and all-IP mobile backhaul network and related services.

Speaking about the benefits of the new network, David Kay, GO’s chief executive officer said: “The ambitious project entails massive expansion of our mobile coverage footprint making it the widest in Malta, working with the latest technology that will ensure high network quality as well as reliable voice and fast mobile data connections seamlessly across Malta and Gozo. The project will entail the replacement of the entire existing GSM and 3G radio infrastructure with state-of-the-art equipment from Nokia Siemens Networks. The quantity of mobile transmission sites will also be significantly increased, giving GO’s customers the benefit of a superior mobile experience, for both voice and data, the latter being the main area of growth in mobile communications today.”

“With a broadband penetration higher than the European Union average*, Malta continues to witness an increasing demand for improved data services, especially from companies and organizations. Additionally, more than a million tourists who visit the country every year make a very attractive potential customer base,” said João Picoito, head of the South East Europe region, Nokia Siemens Networks. “It is, therefore, important for operators such as GO to prepare their networks to offer high-speed mobile broadband services and to withstand any surge in data and voice traffic.”

Under the network modernization contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will replace GO’s existing radio network with its energy-efficient, compact Flexi Multiradio Base Stations. In addition, the company will add new sites to expand coverage and improve network performance. The operator will deploy Nokia Siemens Networks’ NetAct network management system to efficiently monitor, optimize and configure its network.

GO will be able to offer high-capacity and superior quality data services with the shift to an all-IP mobile backhaul network. Nokia Siemens Networks will integrate Cisco’s IP backhaul equipment and its FlexiPacket Microwave equipment to enable this transition. The operator will benefit from a smooth rollout and high network performance with Nokia Siemens Networks’ installation, commissioning, system integration and network optimization services, along with a full set of hardware, software and competence development services.

About GO

Go is Malta’s first quadruple play operator, a truly converged and integrated communications and entertainment company with a wide range of services. As Malta’s leading provider of telecommunications services, GO offers fixed phone, mobile telephony, broadband internet services, digital tv, in addition to business related services like data networking solutions, business IP services, managed and co-location facilities. GO powers more than 515,000 customer connections and services – thus making it the largest communications provider in Malta.

Go has been in the business of communications for the past 30 years and its major shareholder is Emirates International Telecommunications LLC (EIT), a joint venture between TECOM Investments and Dubai Investment Group – both part of Dubai Holding. The remaining shares are traded on the Malta and London Stock Exchanges.

About Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of telecommunications services. With its focus on innovation and sustainability, the company provides a complete portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, as well as professional services including consultancy and systems integration, deployment, maintenance and managed services. It is one of the largest telecommunications hardware, software and professional services companies in the world. Operating in 150 countries, its headquarters are in Espoo, Finland. www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com



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*Source: Digital Agenda Scoreboard 2011, European Commission
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/digital-agenda/scoreboard/countries/mt/index_en.htm