Nokia launches Multi-Operator Radio Access Network for controlled 3G network sharing

Nokia today launched a Multi-Operator Radio Access Network enabling 3G network sharing by several operators while still retaining control over their individual licensed frequencies, radio cells, and services.

Thus operators can enjoy the advantages of network sharing and provide their own service portfolio to their subscribers at the same time. In addition, the Nokia solution will enable operators to provide cost-effective 3G services in areas where traffic will be initially low.

Sharing Radio Access Network elements and all related equipment between two operators, together with site sharing, can bring savings of up to 40 per cent of the Radio Access Network capital and operational expenditures. This is important in the initial coverage building phase of 3G networks as investment in coverage is substantial where the early traffic and revenues are not in balance to begin with. Nokia expects this could boost network building through enabling savings to the mobile infrastructure industry, operators and future subscribers alike.

"As an operator's objective is to provide good quality 3G services to the mass market as soon as possible, we believe that savings in coverage building will lead to more coverage with the same investment rather than to the same coverage with less investment approach," says Jarmo Leivo, Director, WCDMA RAN Marketing, Nokia Networks.

The Nokia Multi-Operator RAN feature is a special functionality for a standard Nokia WCDMA Radio Access Network. It enables two or more operators to build radio access coverage by sharing individual network elements like Radio Network Controllers (RNC) and Base Stations. However, the feature still allows operators to offer dedicated services over their own licensed frequencies.

As operators use their own frequencies, they also have their own Mobile Network Codes, which RNC uses to route traffic to the right core network, which - like all services - are operator specific. Nokia Multi-Operator RAN is compliant with 3GPP release 99 standard and provides open interfaces.

"Network sharing by two competing operators is not a joint strategy, but only a temporary cost cutting measure", adds Jarmo Leivo, "Nokia Multi-Operator RAN is very flexible as it enables network sharing on a base station by base station basis. When RAN sharing is terminated on a site, the shared base station will be taken in use solely by one of the operators and another dedicated base station will be installed for the other."

Nokia Multi-Operator RAN is a unique network sharing solution as operators still control their own licensed frequencies and provide their own services. It offers substantial savings in a true competitive environment. It is however only one of the alternatives available when building a 3G network.

Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.

Further information:

Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel. + 358 (0) 7180 38195
Email nokia.networks@nokia.com

www.nokia.com