Vodafone Albania to launch 3G mobile broadband

Tirana, Albania - Selects Nokia Siemens Networks as sole 3G radio network and related services supplier

Vodafone Albania will soon provide high-quality and high-speed broadband 3G services across the country. Albania’s leading mobile operator has chosen Nokia Siemens Networks to build its 3G network, and enhance the experience for its users and visitors roaming onto its network. Under the four-year deal, Nokia Siemens Networks will also provide consulting, civil works support, network planning and optimization, training and maintenance services.

“Albania enjoys one of the highest mobile subscriber growth rates in Eastern Europe. This growth will be spurred further by the launch of 3G services,” said Haris Broumidis, chief executive officer, Vodafone Albania. “To maintain our leadership, we are pioneering the country’s first 3G services. We selected Nokia Siemens Networks because its technical expertise and rapid rollout capabilities were best suited to our needs.”

“Vodafone Albania provides leading smartphones, software and services for easy access to a host of business and lifestyle applications such as streaming video and online communities,” said George Angelis, head of the Vodafone customer team at Nokia Siemens Networks. “The 3G network will allow the operator to offer broadband services, which adequately match its portfolio in a cost-effective and energy-efficient manner. We will combine our strong product portfolio, service expertise and understanding of the operator’s needs to provide the best 3G experience.”

Under the four-year contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will build Vodafone Albania’s 3G radio access network, deploying its Flexi Multiradio Base Station, the industry’s smallest and most energy-efficient Single RAN* base station. The base station is just 20% the size and weight of traditional network equipment, and consumes over 70% less energy than previous models, without impacting performance. In addition, Nokia Siemens Networks will replace the existing GSM radio network provided by Vodafone Albania’s previous radio network vendor.

Nokia Siemens Networks will also provide Vodafone Albania’s 3G network with consulting and civil works support, network planning and optimization using its NetAct management platform, and on-site training and maintenance services.
About Vodafone Albania Sh.A.

Vodafone, one of the world’s largest mobile telecommunications operator launched its GSM services in Albania on August 3, 2001 in what is likely to be one of the world’s fastest GSM network rollouts, capitalizing on its partners’ expertise and experience in operating networks around the world. Vodafone Albania is owned at 50% by Vodafone Europe B.V. and at 50% by Vodafone Panafon International Holdings B.V. (the latter is owned by Vodafone Group Plc).

Vodafone Albania’s GSM mobile network covers 91.15% of the territory of the Republic of Albania and reaches up to 99.6 % of the Albanian population in urban and rural areas. The company provides to more than 1,7 million customers in Albania (as per end of September 2010) with a wide range of high-quality communication services, including voice and data communications, ensuring that our customers use the best telecommunications network and benefit from innovative and quality services.
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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Notes to editors:
* Nokia Siemens Networks’ Single RAN implements GSM, 3G and LTE technologies in one radio access network, enabling an excellent, seamless user experience. The Single RAN solution is based on multi-standard, GSM/3G/LTE-capable platforms such as the software-defined Flexi Multiradio Base Station that requires no hardware modifications over time. With its 210W triple multi-carrier power amplifier in a 25-liter durable case, the base station is the greenest, smallest and highest performing one in the industry.

The Single RAN platforms are complemented by additional capabilities including network management and optimization, spectral efficiency features for maximum throughput, integrated IP transport, flat network architecture and site solutions that enable the smooth introduction of new technology.