Vodafone Albania is to provide broadband 3G services across the country, and has chosen Nokia Siemens Networks to build its 3G network, and enhance the experience for its users and visitors roaming onto its network. Under the four-year deal, NSN will also provide consulting, civil works support, network planning and optimization, training and maintenance services.
“Albania enjoys one of the highest mobile subscriber growth rates in Eastern Europe. This growth will be spurred further by the launch of 3G services,” said Haris Broumidis, chief executive officer, Vodafone Albania. “To maintain our leadership, we are pioneering the country’s first 3G services. We selected Nokia Siemens Networks because its technical expertise and rapid rollout capabilities were best suited to our needs.”
“Vodafone Albania provides leading smartphones, software and services for easy access to a host of business and lifestyle applications such as streaming video and online communities,” said George Angelis, head of the Vodafone customer team at Nokia Siemens Networks. “The 3G network will allow the operator to offer broadband services, which adequately match its portfolio in a cost-effective and energy-efficient manner. We will combine our strong product portfolio, service expertise and understanding of the operator’s needs to provide the best 3G experience.”
Under the four-year contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will build Vodafone Albania’s 3G radio access network, deploying its Flexi Multiradio Base Station, said to be the industry’s smallest and most energy-efficient Single RAN base station. The base station is just 20% the size and weight of traditional network equipment, and consumes over 70% less energy than previous models, without impacting performance.
In addition, Nokia Siemens Networks will replace the existing GSM radio network provided by Vodafone Albania’s previous radio network vendor. Nokia Siemens Networks will also provide Vodafone Albania’s 3G network with consulting and civil works support, network planning and optimization using its NetAct management platform, and on-site training and maintenance services.