T-Mobile extends partnership with Nokia Networks to support further expansion of its 4G LTE network

T-Mobile turns to trusted vendor Nokia Networks to help enhance its Un-carrier initiatives with LTE-Advanced equipment and services to expand 4G LTE covered POPs with new spectrum bands

Network expansion to include deployment of LTE 700MHz and LTE 1900MHz for improved capacity and coverage; expanded availability of VoLTE and Wi-Fi seamless call/text mobility

T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network is being complemented through activation of previously deployed 4x2 MIMO-ready radio technology

Nokia Networks to provide T-Mobile OPEX savings by modernizing Nokia Networks’ and competitor legacy 2G equipment, leveraging the proven services and capabilities of its exclusive RF sharing functionality

Nokia Networks extends its long-term relationship with T-Mobile under a new contract to help the operator continue the expansion of its fastest nationwide 4G LTE network, which began in 2012 with its groundbreaking network transformation project. Nokia Networks will provide LTE-Advanced equipment and services that will cover new spectrum bands, helping to improve coverage and capacity for in-building, highway and rural areas. The agreement also helps to expand the availability of T-Mobile’s high-quality, nationwide Voice over LTE (VoLTE) service.

“With Nokia Networks’ LTE equipment and services expertise, we will continue to expand coverage and enhance performance of our LTE network for our customers,” said Neville Ray, CTO for T-Mobile. “The new agreement builds upon our long-standing relationship with Nokia Networks.”

T-Mobile’s LTE solution is comprised of Nokia Networks’ best-in-class Flexi Multiradio10 Base Station platform for 700MHz radio sites and its LTE/GSM RF sharing solution for 1900MHz sites. As part of the agreement, Nokia Networks is providing LTE-Advanced carrier aggregation for all T-Mobile spectrum bands.

Nokia Networks’ customer data management solution has also been enhanced to support VoLTE and many of T-Mobile’s Un-carrier initiatives, including next-gen Wi-Fi Calling, unlimited music streaming and international roaming at no additional charge.

In addition, Nokia Networks’ project management, network implementation, Care and planning services will help ensure rapid deployment of the new LTE technology, building on the success of previous projects to modernize T-Mobile’s network.

“This contract with T-Mobile is a testament to Nokia Networks’ innovative solutions and high-performance team mindset – a heritage we’ve brought to the relationship over the last 16 years,” said Ricky Corker, executive vice president of North America for Nokia Networks. “We’re pleased to be an integral part of T-Mobile’s continued network expansion, helping them offer LTE coverage to more and more customers.”

Since the 2012 T-Mobile 4G LTE modernization, Nokia Networks has deployed 4x2 and 4x4 MIMO-capable radio technology in its LTE base stations. This functionality can be remotely configured and activated, giving advanced capacity and data throughput. Currently, T-Mobile is enabling 4x2 MIMO.

Click here for a photo of Ricky Corker.

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