ASIA Singapore : Huawei Technologies announced that it has successfully deployed Asia Pacific's first High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) commercial network for StarHub, one of Singapore's leading info-communications companies.

Awarded to Huawei in February this year, the expansion of StarHub's 3G network to high-speed packet access (HSPA) involved the installation of over 1,000 next generation Distributed Node B base stations across the island state. Huawei's innovative distributed Node B solution feature small, light weight and easy to install units, which significantly reduces an operator's operating expenditure. During the project deployment phase, Huawei engineers ensured smooth implementation and achieved an average about 100 Node B unit installations per week.

Following the commercial launch of its nationwide mobile broadband network, StarHub can now deliver a better user experience over existing 3G and HSPA (both HSDPA and HSUPA) offerings. With local access of up to 7.2Mbps downstream and up to 1.9Mbps upstream, these specifications far exceed current 3G mobile broadband speeds of up to 384Kbps, as well as other offerings in the Singapore market.

Said Mr David Storrie, Head of StarHub's Network and Wholesale Services, "As a strategic partner, Huawei has enabled us to deliver a customized HSPA service to our customers quickly and efficiently. We hope to continue our close relationship with Huawei as we enhance our mobile network over the years.''

StarHub has begun retailing Huawei's E270 USB 3.5G Modem in Singapore. The modem is designed to fully realize the potential of high speed mobile data access experience, anytime and anywhere. The stylish multi-mode E270 supports HSUPA/HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS/GSMS, with downlink speed of up to 7.2 Mbps and uplink speeds of up to 1.9Mbps.

"We are indeed pleased to help StarHub deliver world-class mobile broadband services in Singapore with the successful deployment of our innovative, field-proven HSPA technologies. Huawei's leading Distributed Node B base stations and IP RAN solutions enable fast deployment and evolution towards ALL IP." said Mr. Hou Jinlong, Vice President of Huawei Wireless Network Product Line.