Malaysian mobile network operator Celcom Axiata, as subsidiary of the Axiata Group, has called on Finland’s Nokia Solution and Networks (NSN) for the supply of its Long Term Evolution (LTE) network equipment in the Klang Valley. In announcing the deal, NSN confirmed that it has been awarded a contract to supply the cellco with network infrastructure which will operate using the 1800MHz and 2600MHz bands, while it will also help refarm Celcom’s GSM services – which currently utilise 1800MHz frequencies – to ‘enhance user experience by providing higher throughput and better performance in the multi-technology environment’.
Under the three-year contract, NSN will transform Celcom’s entire Klang Valley network to a Single RAN (Single Radio Access Network) system based on its compact, high-capacity Flexi Multiradio 10 Base Station for GSM, 3G and LTE. The vendor claims that the base station enables an easy and cost-effective site upgrade to LTE using its NetAct network management system, which provides consolidated management for Celcom’s network. Further, the deal also includes intelligent Self Organizing Network (iSON) functionality to improve LTE network quality with self-healing, self-optimisation and self-configuration across the radio network. Alongside helping with the refarming of the 1800MHz band, NSN noted that it will also provide the Malaysian operator with desktop planning, pre-optimisation services, and operational services for process alignment, support and engineering.
Commenting on the deal, Celcom’s CEO Dato’ Sri Shazalli Ramly said: ‘Celcom’s Klang Valley network upgrades underline our commitment to delivering a superior service experience to our subscribers who will increasingly enjoy the results of our extensive LTE investments and rollouts throughout Malaysia.’