MegaFon customers to enjoy enhanced mobile services

Operator selects Nokia Siemens Networks to improve network performance, energy efficiency and prepare for LTE

Customers of MegaFon in Moscow will soon enjoy new services, faster, more reliable connections and improved coverage with better network performance. The leading operator in Russia has selected Nokia Siemens Networks’ Single RAN (radio access network) platform to modernize its GSM network in the Moscow region. This platform will improve network performance, energy efficiency, and reduce capital and operating costs for MegaFon. In addition, the multi-technology platform paves the way for a smooth transition to Long Term Evolution (LTE) providing 4G services.

“We wanted to further improve the quality of service for our customers with the existing network. We also wanted to make our network LTE-ready, so that we will be able to launch ultra-fast mobile broadband services cost efficiently in the near future,” said Andrey Kurdanov, director of MegaFon - Moscow branch. “We found Nokia Siemens Networks’ Single Radio Access Network platform fulfilling all these requirements. In addition, the company’s multi-band platform will allow us to roll out LTE services, efficiently utilizing different frequency bands. This will help us position ourselves as an innovation leader in the country.”

“Constantly improving the quality of experience by providing improved speed, network coverage and new data-intensive services is very important for operators such as MegaFon. What is equally important is doing so cost effectively with flexible, scalable, energy-efficient radio access network,” said Alexey Podryabinnikov, head of customer team MegaFon at Nokia Siemens Networks. “Our radio access platform allows more data to travel faster, and is future proof to help MegaFon get the most out of its investments today and tomorrow.”

Under the modernization contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide its Single RAN platform based on its award-winning, compact, energy-efficient Flexi Multiradio Base Station*. This platform will replace MegaFon’s existing radio access platforms, including UltraSite, MetroSite and Flexi EDGE base stations from Nokia Siemens Networks. This multi-technology platform is able to run GSM, High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) and LTE, and can be defined to roll out a particular technology with a simple software update.

For more information, including a video overview, on Nokia Siemens Networks’ mobile broadband capabilities, follow this link. To share your thoughts on the topic, join the discussion on Twitter using #mobilebroadband.

About MegaFon

OJSC MegaFon is the all-Russian universal communications operator running its business in all segments of the telecommunications market. MegaFon was established in May 2002. MegaFon became the first and the only operator with a network covering all regions of Russia. The Company and its subsidiaries have all the required licenses and operate in all the Russian regions and the Republic of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Tajikistan. MegaFon was the first in Russia to launch 3G for commercial operations and is currently Top 1 in the segment of mobile Internet, and Top 2 as to the number of active subscribers in Russia.

Having acquired Synterra Group of Companies, one of the leading Russian backbone operators, in June 2010, MegaFon entered the market of fixed-line communication for government and corporate customers as well as fixed Broadband market. The combined infrastructure of MegaFon and Synterra is present in all the Russian regions, forming the basis for GSM 900/1800, 3G, VSAT, IP/MPLS, NLD/ILD networks, data and call centers connected to all players of telecommunication market.

In 2009, MegaFon became the General Partner of the XXII Winter Olympic Games and XI Paralympic Games in 2014 in Sochi.

As of June 30, 2010, the principal shareholders of MegaFon are companies of AF Telecom Holding group, the TeliaSonera group and Altimo telecommunications holding.

About Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of telecommunications services. With its focus on innovation and sustainability, the company provides a complete portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, as well as professional services including consultancy and systems integration, deployment, maintenance and managed services. It is one of the largest telecommunications hardware, software and professional services companies in the world. Operating in 150 countries, its headquarters are in Espoo, Finland. www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com

Talk about Nokia Siemens Networks’ news at http://blogs.nokiasiemensnetworks.com and find out if your country is exploiting the full potential of connectivity at www.connectivityscorecard.org

Personalized mobile services for Vodafone Egypt subscribers

Operator upgrades its One-NDS platform provided by Nokia Siemens Networks to better manage subscriber data.

Subscribers of Vodafone Egypt, the country’s largest telecom operator, will soon enjoy a host of customized services. The operator is upgrading its subscriber data management system built on the One-NDS platform provided by Nokia Siemens Networks. This will enable Vodafone Egypt to speed up the process of launching new, targeted services.

“With a fast growing emerging market, characterized by increased uptake of smartphones and tablets, subscribers are looking for more, highly personalized services,” said Tony Dolton, chief technical officer, Vodafone Egypt. “Staying competitive demands introduction of new features and services at a faster pace. With its simplified architecture and high resilience, Nokia Siemens Networks’ One-NDS platform will enable us to do just that.”

“Vodafone Egypt understands the importance of investing in technology and solutions to improve network quality and enhance customer experience. This implementation will provide the base for a more efficient and flexible management of subscriber data,” added Sharaf El-Din Mohamed, head of the Vodafone Egypt customer team at Nokia Siemens Networks. “This project is a huge step forward for Vodafone Egypt to be able to analyze current market segments, while improving subscriber loyalty.”

Nokia Siemens Networks is upgrading its comprehensive subscriber data management solution, including the One-NDS platform, and providing its Home Location Register (HLR), and Mobile Number Portability (MNP). The One-NDS platform unifies fragmented data into a single repository and is more efficient than having multiple databases for different front-end applications such as HLR and MNP. The solution makes it easier to create and launch new services, and enhances Vodafone’s operations and processes, leading to a faster and higher return on investment.

Nokia Siemens Networks’ NetAct network management system will enable effective monitoring, management and optimization of Vodafone Egypt’s network. Under the contract, the company is providing consulting and care services that include hardware and software maintenance and competence development. Nokia Siemens Networks is also responsible for the entire project management.

About Vodafone Egypt

Vodafone Egypt is a total telecommunications provider, covering a wide array of voice and data exchange services, as well as 3G, ADSL and broadband Internet services.

Launched in 1998, Vodafone Egypt supported by Vodafone Group’s know-how and its own local market research provides innovative products perfectly suited for its customers.

The leading Vodafone Egypt spirit and its ever broadening network have paved the way for numerous investment opportunities and world-class continuous customer support.

Vodafone investments in Egypt are an evident reflection of its commitment to its civic involvement for a stronger market foothold, both on the short and long terms.

Another giant step for Vodafone Egypt was its close matching of its own corporate policy with local government policy through the provision of job opportunities for young graduates, exporting high-tech products and the launch of its renowned call center in Egypt. The call center has leaped from success to success ever since its inception in 2006, particularly when Vodafone Egypt signed call center contracts with Vodafone Australia, New Zealand and lately the UK to provide top-notch customer and technical support for customers in these countries. This international expansion further sealed the confidence of Vodafone Group in its Egyptian counterpart for the provision of call center services of world quality and standards, and its trust in the ever expanding possibilities of the Egyptian youth.

About Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of telecommunications services. With its focus on innovation and sustainability, the company provides a complete portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, as well as professional services including consultancy and systems integration, deployment, maintenance and managed services. It is one of the largest telecommunications hardware, software and professional services companies in the world. Operating in 150 countries, its headquarters are in Espoo, Finland. www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com