NSN builds its first European I-HSPA mobile network for T-2

Slovenian broadband operator and 3G mobile licensee T-2 has contracted Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) to supply it with a complete 3.5G network based on W-CDMA and Internet High Speed Packet Access (I-HSPA) technology to power its launch into the mobile market. The project is already in a test phase with around 1,000 users participating in a trial. Included in the deal is NSN’s MSC Server mobile softswitching solution with VoIP server functionality, as well as the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). The contract also covers planning and implementation services, a network and service management system and the actual operation of the network. In a statement, NSN said that this is the first commercial implementation of its I-HSPA system in Europe. The ‘flat architecture’ 3G platform provides HSPA data rates of up to 42Mbps/11Mbps downstream/upstream. According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms database, Maribor-based T-2 launched triple-play IP telephony, broadband internet access and digital TV services over an unbundled VDSL network in October 2005, and has since rolled out fibre-to the-home (FTTH) services. The operator, wholly owned by Slovenian financial firm Zvon Ena Holding, won its 3G licence in September 2006.