Hutchison 3G moves to extend high-speed mobile broadband coverage and capacity throughout Ireland

Nokia Siemens Networks is expanding 3 Ireland’s cellular network with a fast, reliable and green solution

Subscribers of Hutchison 3G Ireland Ltd., the operator of 3 Ireland network, are starting to enjoy high-speed mobile broadband services across the whole country as 3 expands its WCDMA/HSPA services in response to the growing demand for high speed broadband connectivity across Ireland.

Nokia Siemens Networks is upgrading and extending 3’s network and is also providing the innovative flat network architecture solution known as “Internet High-Speed Packet Access” (I-HSPA), a technology optimized for carrying huge volumes of data traffic, with its all-Internet Protocol (IP) backhaul.

With the network extension, end users, whether they are on PC’s, using laptops, or on the move with Internet enabled handsets will have access to high-speed and high-capacity wireless broadband, with enhanced voice, data and multimedia services, enabled by the High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) functionality. In addition, with the higher data rates and increased network capacity the subscribers of 3 will have access to a vast range of service offerings.

Robert Finnegan, Chief Executive of 3 said: “This strategic agreement with Nokia Siemens Networks reinforces our position as the leading mobile broadband network and 3’s commitment to deploying the very best technologies available. 3 has constantly challenged the established broadband providers to up their game and we’re already seeing huge changes in the market place – mobile broadband connections are growing far faster than fixed line and we believe Ireland will be at the forefront of mobile replacing fixed line altogether, much like the trend we’re seeing in the voice market. Not only is the mode of access changing but prices have dropped dramatically across the board since 3 introduced its 19.99 per month for 10 Mb last May. The broadband market is changing at a rapid pace and 3 is leading the charge to bridge Ireland’s digital divide.”

Under a three-year contract, Nokia Siemens Networks has already started to replace 3’s legacy radio network with it’s energy-efficient 3G connectivity solution, bringing 3 both environmental and operational benefits. The advanced solution, featuring the market-leading Flexi Base Stations, provides significant power savings of up to 70 percent.

The setup will also simplify 3’s network thanks to I-HSPA, the cost-effective flat network architecture innovation, which provides scalability to meet the demands of growing traffic and, at the same time, offers a smooth migration path to the future mobile networks, or Long Term Evolution (LTE).

“We are very pleased to extend and consolidate our partnership with this important agreement,” said Sampsa Lahtinen, Head for West Europe at Nokia Siemens Networks. “We are also glad that our innovative solutions which simplify mobile networks, like the Flexi Base Station and Internet-HSPA, will provide the Irish consumers with a fast, reliable broadband experience.”

Nokia Siemens Networks are also providing 3 with the NetAct network management and service management solution for maximizing network performance.

Professional services from Nokia Siemens Networks will ensure a smooth and timely network expansion and improved network reliability. Included are a swap of the existing equipment, installation and commissioning, integration of central radio nodes and running the pilot for I-HSPA. In addition, care services for the equipment deployed will help optimize operations to meet the quality demands of the Irish subscriber base for years to come.

Nokia Siemens Networks is the undisputed industry leader in 3G (WCDMA/HSPA) networks, supplying radio access to more than 130 operators’ networks connecting over 120 million 3G subscribers to date. At the same time, it enables its customers to minimize their environmental impact and address escalating energy costs through the industry’s most innovative, energy efficient solutions.

About 3
3, which launched on the Irish mobile services market in 2005, operates one of Ireland's 3G mobile phone licences under the '3' brand. With over 19 million customers worldwide, 3 is Europe's leading 3G operator and was the first to offer 3G services to European customers. 3 Ireland is 100 per cent owned by Hutchison Whampoa Group which also holds 3G licenses in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Macau, Norway, Sweden and the UK.

For more information about 3’s products and services, see www.three.ie.

About Nokia Siemens Networks
Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of communications services. The company provides a complete, well-balanced product portfolio of mobile and fixed network infrastructure solutions and addresses the growing demand for services with 20,000 service professionals worldwide. Nokia Siemens Networks is one of the largest telecommunications infrastructure companies with operations in 150 countries. The company is headquartered in Espoo, Finland. www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com