Nokia Siemens Networks conducts LTE interoperability testing with four leading device vendors

Dallas, Texas, USA - October 29, 2009

Further progress on the road towards commercial LTE deployment

Nokia Siemens Networks is conducting end-to-end LTE interoperability testing with four leading device vendors across several frequency bands required in different regions, including AWS, 700 MHz and 2100 MHz. The tests cover several steps in end-to-end network configuration based on commercial LTE hardware, including the Flexi Multiradio Base Station and the Evolved Packet Core, and standard compliant software. The availability of commercial LTE terminals from multiple vendors and proven interoperability with networks providers is a prerequisite for any operator to launch commercial LTE services.

Nokia Siemens Networks recently completed successful calls with end to end LTE network infrastructure and LTE terminals. This marks yet another important milestone for the company towards commercialization of LTE. The tests show the interoperability of the Nokia Siemens Networks LTE radio and Flexi NS and Flexi NG evolved packet core network elements with real LTE terminals, and end to end compliancy with the LTE standard (3GPP March 09 baseline specifications). 

"Nokia Siemens Networks is playing an important role in the LTE ecosystem by enabling leading device vendors to conduct early LTE interoperability testing," said Marc Rouanne, head of Radio Access, Nokia Siemens Networks. "Our focus is on commercial LTE hardware and software to support early commercial LTE deployments worldwide. Our recent successes demonstrate our focus on LTE development and the needs of our North American customers." 

The end-to-end calls were conducted in Nokia Siemens Networks LTE center of competence in Dallas in close cooperation with research and development sites in Ulm and Oulu. Nokia Siemens Networks also recently announced having conducted the world's first LTE call and handover using commercial base station and fully standard compliant software.

The first deployments for LTE services are foreseen for the end of 2009 with volume rollouts of commercial networks in early 2010. Nokia Siemens Networks is committed to driving the commercial uptake starting 2010 with an end-to-end solution that provides a future-proof, easy and cost efficient path to LTE via a software upgrade only. Already now, Nokia Siemens Networks has shipped LTE compatible Flexi Base Station hardware to over 100 operators, and deployed Direct Tunnel functionality, a precursor to Evolved Packet Core, in over 65 networks.

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

Engage in conversation about Nokia Siemens Networks' aim to reinvent the connected world at http://unite.nokiasiemensnetworks.com [1] and talk about its news at http://blogs.nokiasiemensnetworks.com [2]
Find out if your country is exploiting the full potential of connectivity at http://connectivityscorecard.org [3]

Media Enquiries

Nokia Siemens Networks
Chantal Boeckman
Communications, North America
Phone: +1 469 789 9594
E-mail: chantal.boeckman@nsn.com

Anna Lindén
Radio Access Communications
Phone: +358 7180 60857
E-mail: anna.linden@nsn.com

Jaana Kankare
Radio Access Communications
Phone: +358 7180 38466
E-mail: jaana.kankare@nsn.com

Note to Editors

• Nokia Siemens Networks was the first to demonstrate LTE technology with data speeds in the 160Mb/s range as well as a successful handover between LTE and HSPA as early as 2006.
• In 2007 the company continued to demonstrate LTE leadership with multi-user field trials in urban environments with peak data rates of 173 Mb/s.
• Launched in February 2008, Nokia Siemens Networks' LTE capable Flexi Multiradio base station has already been shipped to more than 100 customers globally.
• In 2008 Nokia Siemens Networks conducted the world's first demonstration of LTE-Advanced Relaying technology.
• In September 2009 Nokia Siemens Networks made the world's first LTE call using commercial base station and fully standard compliant software.
• In October 2009 Nokia Siemens Networks made the world's first LTE handover test using a commercially available base station and fully standards compliant software.
• In October 2009 Nokia Siemens Networks completed a successful call with end to end LTE network infrastructure and LTE terminals. 
• Nokia Siemens Networks is also one of the key contributors for standardization of both LTE modes in 3GPP and one of the driving forces in the LTE/SAE trial initiative (LSTI).
• Nokia Siemens Networks is a market leader in flat architectures, a precursor to LTE, with over 10 I-HSPA customers and over 65 Direct Tunnel customers.