September 30, 2009 | Nokia Siemens Networks helps operator prepare for rising data traffic, multimedia services growth, through network upgrade towards HSPA + and LTE

Hutchison 3G Austria is modernizing its radio access network to be ready for HSPA+ and the next generation of mobile broadband, or LTE. At the same time this step will allow the operator to halve the energy consumption of its base stations. Nokia Siemens Networks will undertake this upgrade starting in autumn 2009.

“The demand for increased mobile broadband capacity and throughput in Austria is reflected in the increasing usage of data cards and mobile services like Mobile TV, video download or video sharing,” said Berthold Thoma, CEO of Hutchison 3G Austria. “Mobile broadband is also one of the most pragmatic solutions to bridging the digital gap between cities and rural areas. For rural areas, mobile broadband coverage is simply less expensive and faster to deploy than “fiber to the home” solutions. We hope that with our nationwide coverage we will contribute significantly to this end.”

Hutchison 3G Austria has a clear rollout plan for upgrading its network - already covering 94% of the Austrian population with HSDPA - to the latest technologies and hence delivering new multimedia services to its subscribers. With Nokia Siemens Networks as its services and technology partner, the operator’s network will be ready for download data rates of 21 Mbps (High-Speed Packet Access, HSPA+) in early 2010. As of 2011 the network can be upgraded to Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard, offering theoretical data rates as high as 100Mbps or more.

Under the scope of the deal, Nokia Siemens Networks will upgrade the network using its market leading technology, which will bring the benefits of HSPA+ and later LTE including high speeds and lower latency, by means of simple software upgrades. Nokia Siemens Networks will also enhance mobile backhaul for Hutchison 3G, and provide it with NetAct network management system for efficient operation of the network. With this upgrade Hutchison 3G will also enjoy significant cost savings, as the network will consume 50% less energy than traditional networks.

“Together with Hutchison 3G Austria, we will bring the latest mobile broadband technology to the country. With this, we hope to usher in a new era in connectivity,” said Dietmar Appeltauer, Head of Central East Europe at Nokia Siemens Networks. “We have shared a strong working relationship with Hutchison 3G Austria since 2002 and with this deal we are glad to bring the new HSPA+ and LTE technologies to Austria.”

About 3
Hutchison 3G Austria GmbH started in May 2003 with the brand 3 as the first sole mobile multi media provider in Austria. 3 offers multimedia products such as mobile television, music, video calling on the UMTS-handset and in addition provides the classic ways of communication (voice calling, SMS and MMS) and as well mobile broadband. 3 has enriched its offer with popular internet services such as Facebook, Google and eBay on every 3mobile and moreover Skype and Windows Live Messenger on selected 3mobile phones. Furthermore 3 provides more than 50 mobileTV and radio channels via UMTS- streaming and via DVB-H on 3mobiles as well on 3data modems. Hutchison 3G Austria GmbH counts 773.000 customers (as per August 2009), 25,3 Mio. customers worldwide, and is wholly owned by Hutchison Whampoa Limited in Hong Kong.

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
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