MTS, Nokia Siemens Networks launch Russia’s first #TD-LTE #4G network

Liquid Net elements to help provide 4G services for 96% of Moscow territory by end of 2012

Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) has launched ultra-fast 4G mobile broadband services with speeds of up to 100 Mbps (megabits per second) in most of Moscow and 40 population centers in Moscow regions. Nokia Siemens Networks is the sole vendor for the launch, providing a complete Time Division Duplex Long Term Evolution (TD-LTE)* network and a range of comprehensive services. As part of the network, the company has provided its Single Radio Access Network (RAN) and Liquid Core based Evolved Packet Core (EPC).

“The launch of LTE services by MTS, on a par with leading LTE services around the world, reaffirms Russia's place among most technologically advanced economies. Our LTE network's high data throughput and superior reliability enable our customers to benefit from high quality multimedia applications with faster network access,” said Konstantin Markov, head of MTS macro-region, Moscow. "MTS is expanding mobile broadband services in Moscow, contributing to the region's development. Joint efforts by MTS and Nokia Siemens Networks, our long-standing partner, are focused on achieving LTE coverage in 96% of Moscow by the end of 2012. We also plan to double the coverage in Moscow provinces from the current level of coverage in 40 towns.”

“This TD-LTE network rollout, one of the largest TD-LTE networks in the world, is yet another example of our commitment to promote 4G technology globally,” said Vladimir Ulianov, head of MTS customer team at Nokia Siemens Networks. “To significantly enhance the mobile broadband experience for MTS customers, we applied our expertise in TD-LTE technology and strong services capabilities. Our radio and core network elements have built a reliable and flexible network to fulfill current and future data traffic demands driven by the drastically increasing use of smartphones.”

Under the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks has provided its Single RAN platform, based on its compact, energy-efficient Flexi Multiradio Base Station for the TD-LTE network. The company has migrated MTS’ complete network from WiMAX, deploying 2,200 advanced, multi-technology base stations from its mobile broadband offering. Nokia Siemens Networks has also provided its Liquid Core** based Evolved Packet Core (EPC) platform, including Flexi Network Server (NS) and Flexi Network Gateway (NG).

As part of the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks has provided its NetAct network management system to provide consolidated configuration, monitoring and network optimization. In addition, the company has provided its New Technology Home Location Register (NT-HLR)*** and Home Subscriber Server (HSS)****.

Nokia Siemens Networks has ensured a smooth rollout of the 4G network by providing network planning and optimization services for 4G and 2G/3G quality assurance, full turnkey solutions including site acquisition, project management, customer logistics, construction works and network implementation. Nokia Siemens Networks has also provided an end-to-end security solution for Packet Core and LTE Transport, including firewalls, a Certificate Authority and security gateways.

For more information on Nokia Siemens Networks’ mobile broadband capabilities, including a video overview, follow this link. To share your thoughts on the topic, join the discussion on Twitter using #mobilebroadband.

About MTS

Mobile TeleSystems OJSC ("MTS") is the leading telecommunications group in Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, offering mobile and fixed voice, broadband, pay TV as well as content and entertainment services in one of the world's fastest growing regions. Including its subsidiaries, the Group services over 100 million mobile subscribers. The Group has been awarded GSM licenses in Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia and Belarus, a region that boasts a total population of more than 230 million. Since June 2000, MTS' Level 3 ADRs have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol MBT). Additional information about the MTS Group can be found at www.mtsgsm.com.