Working with Nokia Siemens Networks, Irish mobile operator 3 has successfully completed the upgrade of its network to the I-HSPA (Internet High Speed Packet Access) technology. This is the first commercial deployment of I-HSPA in Ireland. The technology is being deployed as part of Ireland's National Broadband Scheme (NBS) for which 3 has been selected as the wireless provider. Initially 3 will be offering customers in NBS coverage areas download speeds of 7.2Mbit/s but this will be upgraded in 2010 to 14.4Mbit/s.
In preparation for the evolution to I-HSPA 3 has totally replaced all the base stations in its WCDMA network with new Flexi units from Nokia Siemens Networks. Upgrading the network to I-HSPA will provide 3 with greater scalability and a smooth evolutionary path to LTE.
For more on this story:
- go to European Communications and Mobile Europe
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