Press Release
Bogota, Colombia – January 20, 2014
Avantel chooses NSN for high-speed mobile broadband services in Colombia
NSN to be sole supplier for radio and core infrastructure for the new LTE network
Avantel, a new entrant in Colombia’s LTE landscape, has selected Nokia Solutions and Networks to supply the complete infrastructure for its LTE (Long Term Evolution)* network. NSN will provide the complete suite of radio and core network equipment along with, as well as build and operate services so that subscribers in Bogota can enjoy a host of advanced mobile broadband services.
“We aim to transform Colombia’s communications landscape with this next-generation LTE network – one that will open up a world of new high-speed services for our customers in Bogota,” said Raul Amaya, chief strategy officer at Avantel. “Our longstanding relationship with NSN, coupled with the company’s experience and expertise in deploying world-class networks across the globe, made it a natural choice as our partner for this important initiative.”
Under the build-operate-transfer agreement, NSN will deliver an LTE network using its market-leading high-performance Flexi Multiradio 10 Base Stations and Evolved Packet Core (EPC) to help Avantel deal with the unprecedented increase in data traffic over its network. Additionally, from the Liquid Core portfolio, NSN will deploy its Subscriber Data Management (SDM) solution including New Technology Home Location Register (NT-HLR) and One-NDS for a centralized database repository that is independent of the application used.
NSN will also supply its ATCA-based Mobile Voice Core solution**, which, in the first phase of the roll out, will be implemented with CSFB voice call features to ensure voice services for LTE customers. In the second phase, NSN will deploy its IMS solution to enable the implementation of VoLTE for providing high-definition voice services to Avantel’s subscribers.
In addition, NSN will provide its NetAct management system to ensure consolidated configuration, monitoring and network optimization for Avantel’s radio and core network. The Performance Manager will enable 360 degree insight to network performance.
The scope of the deal also includes a complete range of services such as network implementation, planning and optimization, systems integration and network operations where the OSS will be managed by NSN. Care services, including hardware, software and competence development services will also be provided to Avantel for seamless operations and optimally trained personnel.
"Managed OSS speeds up the network build phase by ensuring configurations are accurate from the start, thereby improving overall network quality. Faster LTE base station integration saves both time and money," said Wally Swain, senior vice president at Yankee Group's Network Research group.
“This contract is a strong testimony to Avantel’s faith in our capability to deliver on our promise of enabling networks that will define the future,” said Ricardo Palacios, head of Andean Local Operators customer team at NSN. “Leveraging our vast experience and knowhow in setting up LTE networks across the globe, we will set an industry benchmark in Colombia with Avantel’s new network.”
As of today, NSN has 117 commercial references for the delivery of LTE with leading customers in advanced mobile broadband markets such as Northern Europe, Japan, South Korea and the United States.
About Avantel
Avantel S.A.S. (“Avantel”) - Founded in 1997, Avantel is one of four mobile phone operators in Colombia providing services for corporate, as well as governmental sector communication needs. Avantel offers added-value integrative solutions that deliver voice, messaging and mobile apps. Avantel services approximately 20,000 corporate and governmental clients with its differential ‘push-to-talk’ branding coupled with its deep commitment to customer service. Avantel recently took part in the 4G-spectrum public tender successfully acquiring 30MHz of the AWS (Advanced Wireless Services) spectrum at 1710-1755/2110-2155 frequencies. The company is gearing up to launch its wide-ranging 4G LTE service portfolio of smartphones, tablets and data devices. Avantel’s 4G LTE mobile communication will include new content, mobile video and corporate apps to boost profits and enhance productivity, facilitate mobile payments and provide better security. Avantel headquarters are located in Bogota on Carrera 11 #93-92 in Colombia, and has branch offices around the nation’s major cities.