Nokia to expand its 3G radio access network

Nokia will expand its 3G radio access multi-operator solution to enable the sharing of a radio access network (RAN) between as many as four operators.

By sharing the base station and radio network controller hardware, the operators can significantly minimize the capital and operational expenditures of their 3G RAN networks and yet maintain control of their network.

Nokia's enhanced multi-operator RAN sharing solution for three to four operators will be available with Nokia Flexi WCDMA and UltraSite WCDMA base stations in the second half of 2007. The multi-operator RAN feature is implemented with a software upgrade to the radio network controller and is compatible with any core network.

A leader in network sharing, Nokia is the only network vendor who has references globally for shared commercial WCDMA networks between two operators. "We have already several years of experience with RAN sharing between two operators. This unique Nokia solution will now allow network sharing between three or even four operators and give additional opportunities to significantly reduce the costs of WCDMA rollout and operation, enabling over 40% savings in initial RAN network investments," says Ari Lehtoranta, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Radio Networks, Nokia.

The Nokia radio access network sharing solution is supported by a common Operation Support Systems solution for the shared network as well as a comprehensive service offering - Nokia.