Nokia Siemens Networks has been selected as one of the vendors to deploy and upgrade GSM and HSPA networks of T-Mobile Poland and Orange Poland. This upgrade will enable radio network sharing and prepare them for LTE. Currently, Polska Telefonia Cyfrowa operates the T-Mobile network, while PTK Centertel runs the Orange network, and these will be managed by a joint venture called NetWorkS! Nokia Siemens Networks will provide its Single RAN platform and related services to improve the network performance, reduce costs and make the shared network LTE-ready.

Under the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks’ Single RAN platform will replace a large part of the existing GSM and HSPA radio access sites. The platform will also allow a percentage of the existing sites to be re-used, thereby lowering costs while protecting investments. In future, it will enable a smooth transition to LTE through a simple software upgrade.

The contract also includes a range of services, including construction works and the full set of care services comprising hardware services, proactive software services and 3,000 hours of training as part of competence development services.

“So far, no operator has undertaken a multiradio RAN sharing initiative of such a broad scope and we are excited to be part of this implementation. Our Single RAN platform will not only enable the operators to adopt new technologies at a rapid pace and use different spectrum bands efficiently but also reduce the cost of delivering high-quality voice and mobile broadband to end-users,” said Thorsten Robrecht, head of Network Systems Product Management at Nokia Siemens Networks.