Complete modernization of TMCZ`s 2G network provided by Huawei
Public 20.10.2008 in category Press News / Financial and Operational
- One of the most important technology projects starts in October
- 4500 BTSs and 150 BSCs modernized within a year and a half
- Environmental friendliness, higher efficiency and better customer experience as results
Prague October 20, 2008 - On October 7, 2008, the contract on 2G network modernization between T-Mobile Czech Republic and Huawei was signed. TMCZ is going to start one of the most important projects in its history that will affect all base stations and base station controllers across the Czech network. Current Siemens and Motorola equipment will be completely replaced by new technology from Huawei. The modernization will bring significant savings and will enhance service possibilities of the network. The project - during which all approx 4500 BTSs and 150 BSCs will be modernized - is planned for next one and a half year.
"You may ask why to replace the functioning equipment? Some of the BTS have been working for more than 12 years. Even if they have been continuously improved, the development is far away", explains Heinz Schmid, Executive Vice-President technology T-Mobile Czech Republic, adding: "New equipment brings significantly higher capacity and enable the operator to offer to customers new services - e.g. high-speed data - in the whole network."
"We are proud to further our partnership with T-Mobile and to contribute to the modernization of the network across the Czech Republic," added Mr. Ling Haifeng, Vice President Huawei European Region. "With our advanced technologies and fast service response times we are committed to help T-Mobile Czech extend its lead in the dynamic and fast-growing mobile broadband market."
Positive impact on environment + significant savings
Cooperation with one vendor instead of two brings maintenance costs savings, a reduction of spare parts stock, and easier technical staff training and service monitoring. Since new equipment is significantly more efficient, it brings not only a reduction of physical size, but also a reduction of power consumption (approx. by 30%)
This modernization project allows for the combining of demand for additional network capacity with the advantages of a fully modernized network in the most economical way. It allows T-Mobile to offer networkwide EDGE coverage and will support other new features like WAMR (increased voice quality) and EDGE2 in future.
Acceptance test successful
Acceptance testing started in the TMO lab at the end of August. Configuration of several BTS and BSC was tested in conditions very similar to the future live operation. Testing scenarios create large test cases that model real use by covering multiple requirements. At the same time, a smaller configuration was tested in Prague.
Pilot to begin within a few days
As the tests confirmed the equipment is working properly, the beginning of a pilot is planned for end of October in Pilsen area. Two BSCs, one from Siemens and one from Motorola, will be swapped and their performance monitored. The plan is to swap one complete BSC area in one or two nights. The networkwide rollout, which requires swapping more than 4500 BTS and 150 BSC, will take about one and half year. As the swap is held mostly overnight, the impact on customer experience will be insignificant.
About the Company
T-Mobile Czech Republic has been operating in the Czech market since 1996. As of 30 September 2011, almost 5.4 million customers were using T-Mobile services.
T-Mobile operates a public mobile communications network on the GSM and UMTS standards. Since 1 January 2008, T-Mobile has been offering fixed data and voice telecommunications services. In 2009, T-Mobile extended its portfolio to include ICT services and, since November 2010, the operator also offers the T-Mobile TV satellite television service.
T-Mobile has always focused on the quality of offered services. Independent tests have repeatedly confirmed that T-Mobile is the quality leader in 2G and 3G (UMTS FDD) data services, as well as in GSM voice services.
Since its establishment, the company has placed emphasis on excellent customer service and proper conduct towards business partners, employees and the environment. T-Mobile has received, among other awards, the VIA Bona 2009 award for the involvement of its employees in philanthropic and volunteer activities.
T-Mobile is a member of the international telecommunications group Deutsche Telekom. Thanks to the group’s international presence, customers can count on the worldwide availability of their favourite services and enjoy uniform, favourable prices of calls when abroad.
For more information about the company, please visit t-press.cz or www.t-mobile.cz.
