Protelindo outsources tower maintenance and operations

Nokia Siemens Networks provides field maintenance for 5,000 base stations

Protelindo, an independent provider of wireless communications infrastructure in Indonesia, has strengthened its focus on acquiring and leasing network infrastructure to telecom operators. To achieve the required focus, the company has renewed its managed services contract with Nokia Siemens Networks for maintaining and operating over 5,000 base station towers for a multi-year period, with the possibility of yearly extensions.

�The tower infrastructure business is not merely about sharing passive infrastructure; it�s about fulfilling our customers� requirements to meet stringent Service Level Agreements,� said Adam Gifari, president director, Protelindo. �As a key player in the Indonesian telecom infrastructure market, it is imperative for us to improve our quality and operational efficiency so as to differentiate ourselves from the competition.�

�Outsourcing field services to Nokia Siemens Networks has helped us streamline operations and deliver superior experience to our customers. It has enabled us to focus on our core business of expanding our market presence and revenue growth while providing compelling arguments to our sales force during the acquisition of new tenants,� added Gifari.

�We value our partnership with Protelindo because it�s not only a strong testimony to our superior managed services capabilities, but also it is our first commercial infrastructure outsourcing deal anywhere in the world,� said Salman Zafar, head of business development for Nokia Siemens Networks in Indonesia. �Protelindo is a leading infrastructure sharing company in Indonesia, and it is to our great credit that we�re its only, nationwide outsourcing partner for field maintenance services.�

Nokia Siemens Networks has been providing its services to Protelindo since 2008, enabling the infrastructure provider to focus completely on developing or purchasing tower portfolios and leasing tower space to new tenants by co-locating with other wireless operators. Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading player in managed services with more than 300 managed services contracts, supporting 490 million subscribers on its customer networks globally.

Nokia Siemens Networks wins Fraunhofer award for technology management

Leading institute recognizes outstanding achievement in managing complementary innovation efforts across teams

The �focused, highly effective global technology and innovation management by Nokia Siemens Networks� has won it a �Successful Practice Award� from the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology (IPT). The award recognizes the company�s approach to global technology and innovation management. The approach ensures every single value-adding idea is captured from employees, and experts are made available to evaluate and implement these ideas. In addition, it provides necessary resources to turn ideas into beneficial solutions for the market.

Nokia Siemens Networks has a community-driven approach to idea management, bringing together different teams and internal think tanks, to work with customers on new ideas; technology-to-business acceleration, getting new ideas into existing products; and Startups@NSN which rapidly develops new product prototypes. The company encourages its employees to use its internal cloud-based global idea management tool to propose new ideas. The company�s approach supports its long-term research, resulting in new patents, standards and beneficial products.

�Nokia Siemens Networks has implemented a differentiated approach to managing technological innovation across different areas and applied them in a consistent manner,� stated Toni Drescher, group manager in Technology Management of Fraunhofer IPT. �For example, the company has applied global networking in a leading way for technology and innovation management. These approaches don�t just sound good on paper; Nokia Siemens Networks puts them into practice and lives them with enthusiasm."

�This award is confirmation of our sharp focus on innovation in the fast-changing telecoms technology landscape,� said Sigurd Schuster, head of technology road-mapping at Nokia Siemens Networks. �We have implemented global processes to collect and manage innovative ideas internally, and we track consistently how innovation management impacts our technology and business results. Managing innovation well is critical to improve our business results, and puts us at the leading edge of exciting new technologies.�

The award process started in spring 2010 with about 300 technology companies in all domains entering the fray by submitting their technology management processes. In a rigorous and lengthy assessment process, Fraunhofer IPT interviewed the most promising contestants before inspecting shortlisted companies. Including Nokia Siemens Networks, only five companies received this prestigious award at a ceremony on 16 February, 2011. The assessment focused on strategy, organization and methodology of technology management, as well as technology intelligence, planning, assessment and controlling.

Roof of the world to get uninterrupted power

Nokia Siemens Networks supports critical communications for Qinghai-Tibet power grid

The State Grid Corporation of China is building a Qinghai-Tibet power grid to improve and optimize power allocation in the region. It has selected Nokia Siemens Networks� optical transmission platform to help ensure consistent power supply for the world�s highest power transmission line. The power grid is the largest construction project in the region and is scheduled to be operational by mid 2012.

The project is connecting Tibet�s grid with the northwest China grid, integrating all provinces in the service area for the first time. It will also enable the western region to achieve improved and faster economic development. In a large-scale project like this, critical functions such as operations, maintenance and safety depend on secure and uninterrupted communications.

�The Qinghai-Tibet plateau is extremely challenging in terms of its geographic location, making the construction of the grid extremely difficult,� said Zheng Fusheng, deputy general manager of State Grid Information and Telecommunication Company Ltd. �We required a reliable communications partner to ensure uninterrupted power supply and efficient operations and found all these necessary capabilities in Nokia Siemens Networks.�

�Nokia Siemens Networks is committed to providing secure and reliable communications, bringing greater efficiency to this milestone project,� said Charles Lo, head of government, enterprise and railway business at Nokia Siemens Networks, Greater China. �We also see great potential in the area of Smart Grids in China and are well prepared to support such projects through our telecommunications expertise.�

After successful deployment of DWDM products such as Surpass hiT 7500 and hiT 7300 for State Grid backbones in this region, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide its proven Surpass hiT 7065, the Multi-Service Provisioning Platform (MSPP) for the Qinghai-Tibet power grid. This will help to build the robust communication backbone for huge data transmission to guarantee seamless Smart Grid evolution.

Nokia Siemens Networks will also supply its all-in-one Transmission Network Management System, TNMS to optimize State Grid�s network operations through centralized control and supervision. Services including installation, project management and system integration form an essential part of the overall scope of the project.

Submarine cable trial lights path to greater capacity for global networks

Nokia Siemens Networks achieves record 100 Gigabit per second speed in DWDM transmission over 4000 kilometers

Global operators, including privately owned submarine cable network players, can now achieve a cost efficient, ten-fold increase over the original design capacity of their cables. Nokia Siemens Networks has successfully tested its Submarine Line Terminal Equipment (SLTE) solution, demonstrating the longest 100G DWDM transmission result yet achieved over installed undersea cable.

The trial was performed over a submarine segment between Florida and Puerto Rico for a major submarine cable network. As part of the demonstration, Nokia Siemens Networks also achieved 40G DWDM transmission over a distance of 9000 km.

�Our global customers are faced with a continuous need to expand their installed network capacity to keep up with the tremendous increase in traffic requirements,� said Pathmal Gunawardana, head of Transport Networks business unit, North America, Nokia Siemens Networks. �As we support them in terrestrial network expansions, it made perfect sense to do the same for their global networks as well, which often include submarine cable links. While terrestrial networks increase capacity, these submarine cable links often remain a bottleneck.�

�Capacity upgrades using Nokia Siemens Networks� SLTE solution extends the economic life of our customer�s existing submarine cable assets by delaying the capital expenditure outflow that is needed to build a new and enormously costly cable,� said Gunawardana.

Nokia Siemens Networks� SLTE solution based on its hiT 7300 platform increases the capacity of the already deployed undersea cable links by adding 40G and 100G DWDM channel and bandwidth management capabilities to support current and future network requirements. The upgrade can reduce the bottleneck in the submarine part of the network as well as integrate it smoothly into the terrestrial network through the use of new technology at a network management and operations level.

Nokia Siemens Networks� SLTE solution with new transmission capacities of 40G and 100G will be commercially available this year.

Nokia Siemens Networks clarifies status on Motorola transaction

The acquisition by Nokia Siemens Networks of Motorola�s wireless networks infrastructure assets, originally announced on July 19, 2010, is still pending anti-trust approval from the Chinese regulatory authorities. Closing activities will not be completed in the first quarter of 2011 as previously targeted.

The proposed acquisition has entered phase three of the review process with the Anti-Monopoly Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce in China (MOFCOM).

Nokia Siemens Networks remains committed to the acquisition but will provide no further guidance on when it is likely to be completed.
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

UTS users enjoy high-speed data services

Nokia Siemens Networks upgrades and helps manage the Caribbean operator�s optical networks

United Telecommunications Services (UTS), a leading telecommunications service provider in the Caribbean, is now offering new, improved data services to its subscribers. The operator has modernized its network, increasing capacity to more than 3 terabits per second, using 40G technology to meet the growing demand for bandwidth-hungry data services. UTS selected Nokia Siemens Networks equipment and services for the upgrade.

�We were looking for a way to boost capacity in our networks to meet the growth in traffic and have the flexibility to introduce new services,� said Danny Macaya, COO of UTS. �Nokia Siemens Networks has what we need. It not only has an impressive track record of successful deployments around the world, but also extensive experience in services to ensure a seamless transition.�

�Our 40G solution is helping UTS meet its customers� current demand for data services and will expand with them into the future,� said Michael Jakob, head of business development for the Caribbean at Nokia Siemens Networks. �Our aim was to assure UTS of a reliable and low-cost network platform, complemented by world-class service and support, which can help them reduce operating costs while offering truly competitive services.�

Nokia Siemens Networks supplied its hiT 7300 dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) platform to provide a reliable and scalable backbone network, and its hiT 7080 multi-service provisioning platform for a flexible means of offering new services.

Nokia Siemens Networks also supplied its all-in-one network management system, which optimizes network operations through centralized control and supervision, along with implementation services that supported the deployment. It also provided network implementation and care services supporting the rollout.
About United Telecommunications Services

The UTS Group is one of the Caribbean�s premier, integrated and growing providers of proven telecommunications technology serving consumers, businesses, governments and other institutions in the Caribbean, South America and Europe. UTS provides advanced, reliable and competitive telecommunications solutions and after-sales care for its customers, wherever they are, whoever they maybe, for personal and Business use. Backed with over 90 years of experience, UTS is the market leader and trendsetter in its main markets in long distance and mobile telephony services, Internet services, advanced data networks as well as in transaction-based services such as collect calling, lease lines, pre-paid cards and pre-paid mobile telephony.
www.uts.an

Nokia Siemens Networks is the first to demonstrate easy upgrade to 400G optical transport

400Gbit/s successfully transmitted with high spectral efficiency over 600km fiber

Nokia Siemens Networks has demonstrated how FlexiGrid* technology can upgrade optical transport networks to 400G (gigabits per second). The move is aimed to address the rapidly growing demand for bandwidth among operators today. Using FlexiGrid, the company has conducted the industry�s first trial of 400G data transmission over single mode fiber at a distance of over 600km. The trial was conducted at Nokia Siemens Networks� R&D lab in Munich, Germany. Nokia Siemens Networks is demonstrating its optical transport networks at the OFC/NFOEC conference in Los Angeles, California during March 8-10, 2011.

Nokia Siemens Networks used FlexiGrid* and advanced digital signal processing for this demonstration. Once the solution is commercialized, it will allow 400G evolution for operators� current 10G/40G or 100G DWDM multi-haul hiT 7300 platform and Next Generation Packet Optical Transport Solution (P-OTS)**. In addition, the increased utilization of fiber capacity will drive down costs.

� With the increase in network traffic outgrowing revenue coupled with 100G reaching the limits of spectral efficiency, operators are looking to evolve their network beyond 100G,� said Uwe Fisher, head of optical networks product management at Nokia Siemens Networks. We have now reached another milestone, which demonstrates that our hiT 7300 paves the way for operators to easily upgrade their optical data transport networks and allow them to flexibly balance between speeds above 100G and the fiber length along with improving the efficiency of their fiber infrastructure.�

Nokia Siemens Networks� hiT 7300 platform is part of the company�s unique Smart Transport*** offering that enables the lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for operators. Nokia Siemens Networks� Smart Transport is based on its globally available IP Integration capabilities to plan, install, provision maintain and where needed operate multivendor transport networks. In addition, it includes Nokia Siemens Networks� own products such as DWDM based optical transport, optical transport network (OTN) switching, TransNet network planning tool and NetAct network management. It is also complemented by IP/MPLS routers from the leading companies.

The FlexiGrid technology incorporated in Nokia Siemens Networks� hiT 7300 DWDM platform, allows the evolution to 400G networks by dynamically adapting the network�s wavelength grid to the needs of the high-capacity channels. This is done by using the network operator�s existing fiber infrastructure without causing any disruption in service.

Copel to offer super-fast broadband in Paran�, Brazil

Selects Nokia Siemens Networks� optical networking equipment to increase network capacity and provide affordable services

Copel, the regional telecom operator in Paran�, Brazil, will soon deploy a 3,000 km optical fiber network to offer high-speed, affordable data services to consumers. The operator has selected Nokia Siemens Networks� optical networking equipment to increase its network capacity and bring down the cost of providing internet access to bridge the digital divide in the state.

�Brazil has a low fixed-line broadband penetration of six percent, compared to the Latin American average of 11 percent. In our attempt to increase broadband penetration and serve a larger number of users, it�s crucial to keep prices low, especially in the under-served areas,� said Antonio Carlos W.R.de Melo, Transmission and Infrastructure Engineering, Copel Communications. �With the help of Nokia Siemens Networks� optical networking leadership, we are building one of the most advanced and future-proof optical networks in Latin America to achieve this goal.�

�As Brazil prepares to put its national broadband plan into action, there is much to be learnt from Copel, which has consistently aimed to offer affordable data services while continuing to be profitable,� said Aray Chagas, head of customer business team for local operators at Nokia Siemens Networks. �With its latest project, Copel takes another step closer to its goal of ensuring internet access for all. Nokia Siemens Networks fully supports Copel in its aim to bridge the digital divide.�

Under a two-year frame contract with Copel, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide its hiT 7300 Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) solution*. Additionally, Copel�s network will be equipped with the photonic cross-connect** technology to reduce the cost of carrying data and ensure network scalability to meet future demands.

Nokia Siemens Networks will also provide Copel its optical network planning tool TransNet*** to optimize the rollout, and reduce operating costs and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) significantly. Apart from providing its Telecommunication Network Management System (TNMS), Nokia Siemens Networks also provides related services including network installation, commissioning, training and support.
About Copel

Companhia Paranaense de Energia - COPEL is the largest company in the state of Paran� and holds the most remembered brand in the state. It has been involved in the telecommunications industry for over 40 years, making available to consumers the largest fiber optics network of any non-incumbent. With its current capillarity, Copel Telecomunica��es� network is capable of serving over 92% of Paran�s GDP, and it should cover all 399 municipalities by 2012. Currently, aside from offering several different telecommunications services to our power generation, transmission and distribution subsidiaries, who, as customers, benefit from Copel Telecomunica��es� vast service availability, we also provide services to Operators, Corporations and the Paran� State Government. Our company currently connects over 2100 public schools, which represents one of the most important digital inclusion projects effectively implemented in Brazil. We are also providing over 1600 connections fo the state�s public administration facilities.

Nokia Siemens Networks and Juniper Networks conduct 100G interoperability trial

Move towards commercial reality of 100G data transport over long distances

Nokia Siemens Networks and Juniper have successfully conducted 100 Gbps interoperability testing between Optical Transport Network (OTN) equipment and the routers. The trial was conducted at Nokia Siemens Networks� ResIP Center in Munich, Germany. Nokia Siemens Networks will demonstrate the tested 100G line cards at the OFC/NFOEC conference in Los Angeles, California during March 8-10, 2011.

The trial was conducted to test seamless interworking on Nokia Siemens Networks� hiT 7300 DWDM platform and Juniper�s T1600 core router, using the native 100 Gbps Ethernet interface. Commercial roll-out for 100G on Nokia Siemens Networks� hiT 7300 is scheduled for mid 2011.

�Nokia Siemens Networks is a leader in IP integration with extensive capabilities in optical transport and this achievement is a testimony of our successful partnership with it,� said Daniel Hua, senior vice president of the Core Business Unit at Juniper Networks. �We have many 100G customers, who are looking for expanded service and proven long haul capabilities that are critical to the further adoption of 100G in networks.�

�Interoperability of router and DWDM network elements is a prerequisite for carriers to build and upgrade their networks in a cost efficient manner,� added Marc Rouanne, head of Network Systems (NWS) and member of Executive Board of Nokia Siemens Networks. �The demonstration confirms that worldwide carriers and operators can transport high volumes of data over long distances along with ensuring excellent network performance.�

Nokia Siemens Networks wins award for its 1Gbit/s Next Generation Optical Access

Technology innovation recognized at the 2011 Fiber to the Home Conference in Milan

The FTTH Council Europe has presented Nokia Siemens Networks with a Technology Innovation Award for its Next Generation Optical Access (NGOA) technology. The company�s approach, which was outlined in detail as part of its award submission, has been demonstrated in its research labs to a number of customers. Nokia Siemens Networks� NGOA uses a single optical fiber to bring broadband to up to 1000 homes at speeds of 1 gigabit per second per household, for both uploading and downloading at distances of up to 100 km from the central exchange.

The FTTH Council Europe is an industry organization with a mission to accelerate the availability of fiber-based, ultra high-speed access networks to consumers and businesses. It consists of more than 140 member companies, including many world leaders in the telecommunications industry.

�Nokia Siemens Networks� NGOA will allow operators to provision virtually, unlimited bandwidth in their connectivity networks,� said Alexander Niepel, head of NGOA business development at Nokia Siemens Networks. �It�s not about fiber-to-the-home applications alone. NGOA has the ability to transform business and enterprise connectivity. For example, NGOA in mobile backhaul applications would provide smart phone users with a unique broadband experience while minimizing an operator�s cost per bit simultaneously. This is possible due to the flat, simple architecture of NGOA, which reduces active equipment.�

NGOA is designed to co-exist with legacy Passive Optical Networks (PON) systems, allowing for a seamless upgrade path from current optical connectivity systems along with facilitating central office consolidation to further improve operational expenditure.

Nokia Siemens Networks is already developing a prototype while continuing its close co-operation with FSAN (Full Service Access Network), which is the relevant standards body looking into the future optical connectivity standards.

Nokia Siemens Networks clarifies status on Motorola transaction

Espoo, Finland - The acquisition by Nokia Siemens Networks of Motorola's wireless networks infrastructure assets, originally announced on July 19, 2010, is still pending anti-trust approval from the Chinese regulatory authorities. Closing activities will not be completed in the first quarter of 2011 as previously targeted.

The proposed acquisition has entered phase three of the review process with the Anti-Monopoly Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce in China (MOFCOM).

Nokia Siemens Networks remains committed to the acquisition but will provide no further guidance on when it is likely to be completed.

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

Talk about Nokia Siemens Networks' news at http://blogs.nokiasiemensnetworks.com and find out if your country is exploiting the full potential of connectivity at www.connectivityscorecard.org

Nokia Siemens Networks now targets acquisition of Motorola's public carrier wireless network infrastructure assets in first quarter of 2011

- Pending regulatory approval from the authority in China
- Antitrust clearance received from US, European Union, Brazil, Japan, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan and Turkey

Nokia Siemens Networks announced that it now expects to complete its acquisition of the majority of Motorola's public carrier wireless network infrastructure assets in the first quarter of 2011. The company had expected, at the time the transaction was originally announced on July 19, 2010, to complete closing activities by the end of 2010 but the transaction has not yet received regulatory approval from the Anti-Monopoly Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce of China, which is continuing its review process. All other necessary regulatory clearances have been obtained.

"This delay is disappointing, but we're looking forward to completing the acquisition early in the new year," said Rajeev Suri, chief executive officer of Nokia Siemens Networks. "We are continuing to work closely with the authority in China to finalize the clearance process in that country. We recognize its efforts in addressing this case as a matter of importance."

Approximately 7,500 employees are expected to transfer to Nokia Siemens Networks from Motorola's public carrier wireless network infrastructure business when the transaction closes, including large research and development sites in the United States, China and India.



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

Talk about Nokia Siemens Networks' news at http://blogs.nokiasiemensnetworks.com and find out if your country is exploiting the full potential of connectivity at www.connectivityscorecard.org

Nokia Siemens Networks gives Telstra options to create new and innovative customer services

Policy control and subscriber data management enhances Telstra�s Next G� mobile network

Telstra has added a policy control capability to its Next G� network and created a foundation to develop new and exciting services demanded by customers in the growing mobile internet world. The capabilities are part of an implementation by Nokia Siemens Networks of its policy control and subscriber data management platforms.

�The enhancement of the Next G� network with policy control and subscriber data management is key to the ongoing evolution of Telstra�s world-class mobile network. It will also deliver efficiencies in the use of its wireless network infrastructure,� said Mike Wright, executive director, Networks & Access Technologies, Telstra. �The Policy Control server provides crucial functionality by enabling Telstra to optimize traffic based on a set of business rules, while the Subscriber Data Management System allows us to manage our customer profiles in real time.�

Nokia Siemens Networks� innovative solution is based on its highly scalable PCS5000 (Policy Control) and One-NDS (Subscriber Data Management) platforms.

�This is becoming the era of the customer-centric network,� said Kalevi Kostiainen, head of Nokia Siemens Networks in Australia and New Zealand. �The functionality that comes with our solution provides Telstra with the tools to create new and innovative products that will give customers new services alongside more choice and control.�
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

Computing industry leaders form Asia Cloud Computing Association to drive regional adoption, security, and policy

Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco Systems, EMC Corporation, Microsoft, NetApp, Nokia Siemens Networks, PLDT/Smart, Rackspace, REACH, Telenor, and Verizon, today announced they have formed Asia Cloud Computing Association (Asia Cloud), an open collaboration forum based in the Asia Pacific region.

The non-profit, vendor-neutral organization will address regional issues and challenges to adoption of cloud computing in Asia including privacy and security concerns, compliance and regulatory mandates, licensing models, service levels, and other market risks.

The research firm IDC estimates that the market for cloud computing in Asia outside Japan will grow to around US$1.3 billion this year and will continue to expand at a rate of approximately 40 percent a year until 2014 (Source: IDC, 2010), whereas in Japan, currently the second largest IT market globally, the cloud computing market is expected to grow to US$29.2 billion in 2015 (Source: Japan�s Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry 2010). However, security concerns, data storage regulations, low penetration of bandwidth in some countries, and government policies oriented to traditional computing models are inhibiting market growth.

�Cloud adoption in the Asia Pacific region has yet to reach its full potential. The regulatory landscape and varying market maturity levels have fragmented the adoption of cloud computing in the region,� noted Asia Cloud chairman and REACH chief information officer, Sundi Balu. �Organizations in Asia have voiced several concerns, particularly around security, service levels, and regulatory positions. There is a strong sense of urgency to have these concerns resolved by an open industry collaboration focused on the actual market realities and conditions in Asia. With Asia Cloud as a platform, key stakeholders can collaborate on issues specific to Asia and enable faster and more efficient adoption of cloud computing.�

The organization will evaluate global cloud standards produced by other industry associations and determine which can be adapted or advocated regionally. Initial working groups include those for public policy and regulatory issues, security, taxonomy, and carrier-grade applications. Anticipated deliverables for 2011 include best practices, a cloud-readiness index, development of a taxonomy, and the establishment of formal relationships with other organizations in cloud computing.

�Cloud computing will play a fundamental role in re-shaping how telecommunications service providers offer applications to end users and how their internal systems are implemented,� said Mike Murphy, initiator of the Carrier-Grade Cloud Computing Working Group and head of Technology APAC, Nokia Siemens Networks. �Asia Cloud Computing Association is a great vehicle for industry leaders to direct that re-shaping in a consistent manner.�

Asia Cloud welcomes computing service, hardware, and software providers, end users, and government/policy, research/academic organizations to join the effort. More information about Asia Cloud and a membership prospectus are available at www.asiacloud.org.
About Asia Cloud

Asia Cloud Computing Association fosters collaboration and innovation in Asia to drive adoption of cloud computing regionally. Asia Cloud�s outreach efforts extend to policy and regulation, security, best practices, and market education. For more information, visit www.asiacloud.org.

Nokia Siemens Networks to improve mobile networks across Afghanistan

Nokia Siemens Networks to improve mobile networks across Afghanistan Afghan Wireless selects telecoms supplier to enhance its capacity, coverage and agility

Afghan Wireless Communication Company (AWCC) plans to increase coverage, particularly in rural areas, and provide a range of new mobile services. Nokia Siemens Networks will modernize and expand the operator�s 2.5G (GSM/GPRS) network and provide subscriber data management and charging and billing platforms. As a result, more people will be able to access mobile services across the country.

With close to 17 million subscribers, Afghanistan�s current mobile penetration is around 57%*. This shows the great strides the country has taken since 2002 when there were no phones in the country**. At the same time, there remains a clear opportunity to expand into the underserved parts of the country and reach a larger segment of the rural population.

"We are committed to improving the mobile network for our people across Afghanistan. While this demanded overhauling our network to build additional capacity and introduce new technologies, we also had to protect our existing investments," said Daniel M. Florentine, Member Board of Directors AWCC. "We selected Nokia Siemens Networks as we fully trust its capabilities and expertise � the company will prepare us for a seamless transition to next-generation technologies."

"The mobile phone� and the opportunities it brings � are becoming a fundamental right for all citizens. As in the rest of the world, people across Afghanistan want widespread access to mobile networks," added Veqar ul Islam, head of sub region "east", Nokia Siemens Networks Middle East and Africa. "We can help Afghan Wireless deliver consistent services across the country and provide the required edge to outperform competition while reducing its capital and operational costs."

As part of the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will upgrade the operator�s radio network with its energy-efficient Flexi Base Station and Flexi Base Station Controller to deliver increased capacity, connectivity and uninterrupted services. The small size and low energy consumption of these units make them highly suitable for operation in remote, rural areas. AWCC will also benefit from lower operational costs with the deployment of integrated packet-based transport capability that supports increased voice and data traffic on the installed base of network connections. In addition, the operator�s energy costs will be reduced as a result of swapping outdated mobile switches with state-of-the-art mobile softswitches.

Nokia Siemens Networks will also roll out its subscriber data management solution, including its One-NDS centralized subscriber repository so that AWCC can easily generate insights on end-user behavior to develop services catering to the specific needs of different users. The telecom suppliers� charge@once billing platform will improve AWCC�s time-to-market for new and targeted marketing campaigns and combine services across pre-paid and post-paid subscribers. In addition, Nokia Siemens Networks will deliver a complete range of professional services, including network implementation, care and system integration.
About Afghan Wireless Communication Company

Afghan Wireless Communications Company (AWCC), headquartered in Kabul, is the largest private investor in Afghanistan. Afghan Wireless offers strong value propositions to our customers and tries hard to exceed their expectations. AWCC provides microwave backbone connectivity covering over 2500 Km in all of Afghanistan's 34 provinces. The services include digital call quality, conference calling, per second billing, superb connectivity on the highways and over the difficult terrain of the country. AWCC is a leader in delivering wireless and broadband communication solutions to residential and business customers.
www.afghan-wireless.com

Operators can now crowdsource data on mobile broadband quality

Nokia Siemens Networks launches �Mobile Quality Analyzer for Mobile Broadband�

Operators can now get real-time data on connectivity bottlenecks in their networks to improve service quality and their customers� experience. Nokia Siemens Networks has launched a Mobile Quality Analyzer (MQA) for Mobile Broadband that uses a mobile device client to report on the quality of 3G connections. It can combine this data with subjective feedback from subscribers, as they download data or surf the Internet, to get a clearer picture of their mobile broadband experience, effectively �crowdsourcing�* mobile network optimization. The application is part of the company�s Insight & Experience Framework**.

"The mobile broadband market is growing rapidly and improved broadband service quality is fast becoming a differentiator for operators globally," said Ludovic Magne, customer operations for business solutions sales at Nokia Siemens Networks. "MQA for Mobile Broadband provides operators with information to plan and efficiently adjust their network capacity as well as speed up resolution of customer complaints."

The application is one of the most cost effective systems to measure mobile broadband performance. Nokia Siemens Networks recommends that operators clearly outline to subscribers the client application�s use, exactly what sort of data it collects and how their privacy is protected. Take-up rate could be improved by offering bonuses such as additional SMS and voice minutes or data allowances to those who accept its use. MQA for Mobile Broadband can also provide real-time insight into device and network operation to customer service agents helping them accurately troubleshoot and resolve user issues.

MQA for Mobile Broadband consists of a client-server architecture based on technology from Ciqual. The measurement client can be downloaded by subscribers to their laptops, netbooks or notebooks with external or embedded 3G Modems. The client app evaluates signal strength in the cell and measures if broadband throughput rates are sufficient for the online services being accessed. The results are then sent to a measurement server for real-time display and analysis.

To complete the active tests that measure connectivity quality, MQA for Mobile Broadband can also periodically present an optional, brief questionnaire to assess the user�s personal experience. The client-software can be used without affecting price plans or causing tangible effects on speed of the broadband connection or even battery life.

In addition to the software solution, Nokia Siemens Network provides Server Hosting, Consultancy Reporting, Detailed Network Performance and End User Experience Analysis Services using Mobile Quality Analyzer for Mobile Broadband. Each of these service solutions is customized according to customer needs.
About Ciqual

Ciqual delivers technology which helps Mobile Operators to improve the services delivered to end-users through actual knowledge of the customer experience. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, Ciqual is a privately held, venture-backed company with offices in the UK and Australia.
www.ciqual.com

Study shows spending on mobile broadband up 40% year on year

Mobile Broadband Study 2010* covers HSPA+ use in France, Germany, Spain, UK

More than half of mobile broadband users are interested in high-speed mobile broadband or LTE
About 50% access mobile broadband on the go; one in five fixed users want to move to mobile broadband
Two-thirds of users access mobile broadband from devices smaller than laptops

Nokia Siemens Networks� Mobile Broadband Study 2010 reported a 40% increase in average monthly spend on mobile broadband compared to 2009. This can be attributed to increased use of mobile broadband among existing customers and higher penetration of the service in market segments with more disposable income. Added to this, is the wide availability of bundled or subsidized offers for laptops and netbooks with the purchase of a mobile broadband connection.

�The study highlights that demand for mobile broadband is rapidly increasing due to its potential to deliver the connected experience people want, wherever they are,� said Beppe Donagemma, head of West & South Europe, Nokia Siemens Networks. �However, the quality of experience needs to improve to increase adoption. Operators need to prepare their networks to handle future volume and data traffic types to sustain mobile broadband growth.�

The majority of mobile broadband users in France, Germany, Spain and the UK want a better mobile broadband experience � faster data speeds, improved quality and better coverage. For a better experience, more than half of the respondents (58%) are interested in high-speed mobile broadband and 30% are even willing to pay a premium for it. The majority of users also said they would be interested in LTE as a preferred next step for improved broadband.

Almost a third of users said they intend to spend more time accessing the Internet via mobile broadband (31%), while a quarter of non-mobile broadband users expressed interest in taking it up.

The study also found that about 80% of the users accessed the Internet with a mobile broadband connection from home. According to the study, about half of the mobile broadband subscribers use mobile broadband on the go, and one in five fixed broadband users is looking to move to mobile broadband. This highlights that mobility remains an important aspect in Internet consumption.

The importance of mobility is further underscored by the finding that subscribers are more likely to use smaller devices, such as mini laptops/netbooks (34%), smartphones and smart devices (25%) to access mobile broadband, compared to PCs (27%) and standard laptops.

Nokia Siemens Networks first to make GSM networks �smarter�

New functionality enables simultaneous voice and data calls, quadruples device management capacity and improves efficiency

Smart device users will now be able to experience consistent, high-quality concurrent voice and data services, while using GSM networks. Nokia Siemens Networks is the first to introduce new functionality for GSM networks to harmonize the service experience for smart device users. This smart GSM network functionality also allows operators to manage up to four times more GSM devices on the existing networks.

�A steady decline in prices has led to an increasing use of smart phones even in markets that are yet to move to 3G,� said Prashant Agnihotri, head of GSM/EDGE product management, Nokia Siemens Networks. �It is natural for smart device users to desire round the clock connectivity and demand high data and voice service quality, when they are in a GSM coverage area. Our new functionality will ensure that operators can meet these demands in their GSM networks without making heavy investments or affecting the experience of other users.�

One of the main causes of network congestion is the signaling traffic generated by smart devices that automatically connect far more frequently to the network. Smart GSM network functionality quadruples signaling channel capacity. This additional capacity allows operators to handle up to four times as many devices in a single cell site. In addition, it improves GSM network efficiency by ensuring that traffic channel capacity is not wasted due to signaling congestion.

Smarter GSM networks will also allow users to receive or initiate voice calls while a data connection is active. Without support for the concurrent use of voice and data, incoming voice calls are currently diverted to the voicemail, when there is an active data connection, for instance, when the handset is downloading emails. This has been a common source of frustration for the mobile users.

The new functionality can be introduced to Nokia Siemens Networks� radio networks via simple software upgrades and is available for deployment now.

Nokia Siemens Networks� GSM solutions for smart devices builds upon its previously introduced Smart Networks concept for 3G, enabling operators� WCDMA/HSPA/HSPA+ smart device users to enjoy faster mobile broadband upload and download speeds, longer battery life and better coverage. In addition, operators improve their total cost of ownership. An independent analyst report confirms that smartphones, which are on the company�s 3G networks, enjoy an average of 30% longer battery lifetime and generate up to 50% lower amounts of signaling traffic. Operators can now extend this improved service experience and efficiency into their GSM networks as well. For more information about Nokia Siemens Networks� industry-leading capabilities in building and delivering smart networks, click here.
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

Talk about Nokia Siemens Networks� news at http://blogs.nokiasiemensnetworks.com and find out if your country is exploiting the full potential of connectivity at www.connectivityscorecard.org

Nokia Siemens Networks and KPN extend service contract for iTV

Continue strategic partnership to provide advanced TV and entertainment services to a majority of its broadband customers.

KPN is broadening and extending its iTV services contract with Nokia Siemens Networks to bring new TV viewing experiences to its customers. The agreement is at the heart of the operator�s plans to grow its current iTV subscriber base.

�Having used the Nokia Siemens Networks IPTV solution since 2006, we are very satisfied with its advanced functionalities and reliable performance, which all add up to a superior TV experience for our customers,� said KPN. �During that time, Nokia Siemens Networks has repeatedly demonstrated its world-class expertise and support, and proven its long-term commitment to our business objectives and vision.�

�We will expand the iTV system at KPN to bring an improved, interactive TV experience to many more of KPN�s customers,� said Giuseppe Donagemma, head of West South Europe region at Nokia Siemens Networks. �Nokia Siemens Networks will continue to develop IPTV because it is vital to many of our customers� businesses. Our vision � based on our open architecture approach � is to empower service providers to create compelling user experiences across their networks and devices.�

Nokia Siemens Networks is providing KPN with a complete next-generation iTV solution that will enable it to offer high-quality TV service with advanced capabilities, including high-definition TV, video-on-demand, and �timeshift� TV viewing (pausing, recording or rewinding of live TV programs). Nokia Siemens Networks will have sole responsibility for the customization and integration of the iTV solution into KPN�s current network.

The new iTV solution will also comprise Nokia Siemens Networks� new Ubiquity Multiscreen TV Platform client which will enable faster development of new TV streaming based applications and brings greater flexibility for customizing the user interface.

The current agreement, which extends cooperation between KPN and Nokia Siemens Networks until 2012, includes middleware, encoders, video on demand, encryption, set-top boxes and PC clients. As the sole iTV supplier to KPN, Nokia Siemens Networks will maintain and develop the solution and help to drive enhancements to subscribers� TV experience as a crucial part of KPN�s market strategy.
About KPN

KPN is the leading telecommunications and ICT service provider in the Netherlands, offering wireline and wireless telephony, internet and TV to consumers and end-to-end telecom and ICT services to business customers. KPN�s subsidiary Getronics operates a global ICT services company with a market leading position in the Benelux, offering end-to-end solutions in infrastructure and network-related IT. In Germany and Belgium, KPN pursues a Challenger strategy in its wireless operations and holds number three market positions through E-Plus and KPN Group Belgium. In Spain and France, KPN offers wireless services as an MVNO through its own brands and through partner brands. KPN provides wholesale network services to third parties and operates an efficient IP-based infrastructure with global scale in international wholesale through iBasis. -At June 30, 2010, KPN served 42 million customers, of which 33.8 million were in wireless services, 4.6 million in wireline voice, 2.6 million in broadband Internet and 1 million in TV. With 31,121 FTEs for the whole group, KPN reported half year revenues of EUR 6.6bn and an EBITDA of EUR 2.7bn. KPN was incorporated in 1989 and is listed on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.

Smartphone users demand best voice and data quality � and are at the highest risk for churn

Global customer Acquisition and Retention Study reveals one out of three users ready to swap operators.

* Customer loyalty to operators is lowest in mature markets with high smartphone penetration
* Close to 40% of smartphone and data card users likely to churn within a year
* 20,000 subscribers in 17 countries interviewed for global study

Nokia Siemens Networks has identified that customer intent to churn in the UK, Germany and the US due to dissatisfaction with network quality has grown significantly over 2008 levels. This is just one of the findings of a global Acquisition and Retention Study that highlights key drivers for customer satisfaction for fixed
and mobile telecoms services.

�In mature markets, where mobile broadband and smartphones have recently taken off, customer loyalty is lowest,� said Michael Matthews, head of strategy and business development at Nokia Siemens Networks. �The silver lining in our findings, however, is that price is becoming less critical as a churn trigger. Without a doubt, access to mobile broadband has changed people�s priorities and the expectations they have of their service providers.�

�Now it�s the experience people have - how happy they are with the service they�re getting - that�s key to attracting and retaining subscribers. People are asking: How good�s the coverage? How clear are my voice calls? Do I get a connection when I want one? Are my messaging services simple and flexible? And, increasingly, how accessible and fast is my Internet connection?�, added Matthews.

The study reveals that in the UK, 45% of the negative experiences people have with their mobile can be explained by network quality falling below expectation. This may be attributable to the recent steep increase of smartphones in the network, which can cause a rapid increase in signaling traffic that has the potential to cause network congestion for all subscribers. The study results were similar in the US and Germany, and, unless the issue is proactively addressed, it�s only a matter of time before emerging markets around the world have same issues. Already, the global impact of network quality on subscriber retention stands at 34%, far higher than in previous years.

Many operators around the world are already taking action to improve the quality of experience for their subscribers. Nokia Siemens Networks recently completed the London Experience Project with Telef�nica O2, in which the company optimized the network for smartphones by minimizing the signaling load. The O2 network has now been verified by the British Approvals Board for Telecommunications as the �fastest mobile broadband� network in London.

Nokia Siemens Networks conducts its Acquisition and Retention Study to provide the world�s leading operators with vital information on consumer behavior across mobile and fixed networks. More than 20,000 consumers are interviewed for the study across 17 countries covering mature markets and highly competitive emerging markets.