Telefonica O2 Germany accelerates mobile broadband service with a green solution

Nokia Siemens Networks to modernize and expand the O2 network

Telefonica O2 Germany, one of the fastest growing mobile phone operators in the country, is moving to expand network coverage and capacity to provide its customers with improved mobile voice and online services. Nokia Siemens Networks will carry out this modernization project enabling the operator to reduce network power consumption.

In a separate deal, O2 has chosen Nokia Siemens Networks to carry out implementation services at more than 200 radio access sites. It is the first customer win for Nokia Siemens Networks service subsidiary in Germany, established in January 2008.

The network expansion project will enhance the capability of O2’s 2G and 3G networks and expand their coverage with the latest radio access technology. Under a wide-ranging 3-year contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will supply O2 Germany with its energy-efficient radio access solution, bringing at the same time environmental and operational benefits to the operator.

“Our objective is to use the most advanced technology, to further increase our coverage as well as to reduce costs. To achieve our goals, we need reliable partners who can supply us with state-of-the-art equipment and extensive services at best commercial conditions,” said Andrea Folgueiras, CTO of O2 in Germany.

The innovative energy efficiency solution from Nokia Siemens Networks, featuring the market-leading Flexi base stations, provides significant power savings. Moreover, the customer benefits from the quick implementation and reduced operational expenses thanks to the revolutionary small and modular Flexi base station.

Nokia Siemens Networks also will upgrade the 3G network with the High-speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) software functionality to cover all Germany. This technology will allow O2 subscribers to enjoy high-speed mobile Internet as well as rich data and multimedia services with very fast communication speeds, while higher data rates and increased network capacity will enable the operator to expand its service offerings.

Besides modernizing the 2G network sites, Nokia Siemens Network will provide its EDGE software upgrade to bring high-speed data capability to the GSM network as well.
Nokia Siemens Networks also will provide the NetAct network management and service management solution for maximizing network performance as well as maintenance services.

“We are very pleased to extend our long-term relationship with this agreement and by doing so, to strengthen O2’s competitive position in the market,” said Thomas Riedel, Customer Business Team Head for Telefonica Europe.

Under the separate service contract, Nokia Siemens Networks Services Deutschland will provide O2 in Germany with on demand system repair and maintenance services at all operator’s locations to ensure undisturbed and quality network operation, while at the same providing operational benefits to O2. The service contract is a further proof of Nokia Siemens Networks’ powerful experience in large network implementation and expansion projects that require a transition to new equipment with minimum service disruption.