Nokia has brought LTE to Myanmar after rolling out a 4G network for Ooredoo to support its customers’ growing data demands.
The network upgrade took three months and involved Nokia’s Single RAN and packet core platforms. Ooredoo has launched 4G across Yangon, Nay Phi Daw, Mandalay, and Bagan.Â
LTE services are being offered across Ooredoo’s 2.1GHz holding although the operator said it intends to buy spectrum in the 1800MHz and 2.6GHz bands in future auctions.
The Finland-based vendor has also had its managed services contract with the operator extended to cover its LTE network as well as its 3G. It said the extension would provide Ooredoo with a “simplified management and reporting structure” for the operator’s seven million subscribers.
Rene Meza, Chief Executive Officer, Ooredoo Myanmar, said: “We have come a long way in developing the telecommunications market in Myanmar. Using Nokia’s innovative 4G technology and managed services expertise we can continue to lead the way in delivering the most advanced high-speed data-intensive services to our customers in the fastest time.
“We are proud to be the first to launch 4G services in Myanmar and plan to extend the network further in the future. By opening up under-served areas of the country we will offer the vital connectivity that will continue Myanmar’s digital transformation and further drive the growth of its economy.”
Harald Preiss, Head of Asia North at Nokia, said: “The ability to roll-out 4G services mainly via a software upgrade meant that we could complete deployment in the quickest time and in the most cost-effective way, allowing Ooredoo Myanmar to leverage its existing infrastructure.
“The upgraded network offers superior indoor coverage and increased capacity to meet future demand. And by extending our leading managed services expertise, we can ensure transparent operations across the network.”