O2 (Telefónica UK) has selected Nokia Siemens Networks to prepare its LTE network across London and the South East of England. The UK operator is anticipating a rapid launch of 4G following Ofcom’s spectrum auctions scheduled for early 2013.

Operator decided to upgrade its network to 4G after a successful 12 month LTE network trial involving hundreds of consumers and businesses across parts of London. O2’s investment in its UK network with Nokia Siemens Networks includes an upgrade to its existing GSM and 3G (HSPA) network with the latest radio access technology.

Under the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks is providing its Single RAN platform, and implementing its high-capacity Liquid Radio solution based on the Flexi Multiradio 10 Base Station. The agreement also includes network implementation and care services across 50 percent of O2’s radio access network including the South-East of the UK and London.

Nokia Siemens Networks is also enabling O2’s radio access network (RAN) sharing.