UK-based mobile operator EE has awarded a £250m multiyear contract to the Nokia Solutions and Networks (NSN) to support the further expansion of its 4G LTE network.
Under the deal, NSN will also be responsible for upgrading EE’s 2G network to enhance performance as well as reduce power consumption, while providing antennae and network security software for the network provider.
EE CEO Olaf Swantee said the company is working with NSN on the next stage of its rollout, covering the next 25% of the UK population in rural areas and small towns.
"We will continue to lead our UK competitors in speed, coverage, and reliability," Swantee added.
"We have selected NSN because of their technology, their people, and because of their ability to provide a high quality end-to-end services model.
"We look forward to working together as we continue to give people across the UK access to the biggest and fastest 4G mobile network."
As per terms of the deal, NSN will deploy a Single RAN Advanced system that allows EE to run different radio technologies using single and multi-purpose hardware, and install high-capacity Flexi Multiradio 10 Base Stations.
NSN will also implement cloud-ready NetAct for efficient network management across technologies along with an IP Security application for secure IP communication between LTE base stations and core network sites in EE’s network.
NSN CEO Rajeev Suri said there is great momentum in LTE adoption in Europe and worldwide with ever-growing numbers of subscribers using data-hungry services.
"As a long-term partner of EE and the sole provider of the operator’s existing high-quality 3G network, NSN is now enabling EE to move ahead with confidence using the best technology and services for next-generation mobile broadband networks," Suri added.
"EE will also benefit from NSN’s significant experience in spectrum efficiency research when refarming current 2G spectrum for 4G with NSN’s support."
