Europe : Sonofon, a leading mobile operator in Denmark is upgrading its existing WCDMA 3G network with High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) technology from Nokia Siemens Networks. With HSDPA, data can be transmitted through the mobile network at real broadband speeds. The initial upgrade at Sonofon will support up to 3.6 mega bits per second peak rates.

The HSDPA enhancement will not only enable Sonofon to market their mobile data service more cost efficiently but also offer a true mobile broadband solution including high-speed mobility and coverage. The HSDPA launch will be a logical expansion of Sonofons existing service offering and is easily implemented on top of Sonofon’s existing 3G network from Nokia Siemens Networks.

As part of the installation, Nokia Siemens Networks will also provide software- and emergency support and hardware services and the network will be supported by the multi-technology, multi-vendor NetAct TM network and service management system, which will be upgraded to support HSDPA..For additional coverage expansions Sonofon will deploy Nokia Siemens Networks highly acclaimed Flexi WCDMA-Base Station that will ensure the network offers high levels of reliability and performance to Sonofon’s customers.

“Nokia Siemens Networks and Sonofon have shared a very long relationship. The major advantage for us in selecting the HSDPA solution from Nokia Siemens Networks was the ease at which our network could provide greater speed. The solution does not require any hardware upgrades but a simple software that enables this functionality.” said Jesper Hansen - Director of Operations, Sonofon.

”As industry leaders, the HSDPA solution we are delivering to Sonofon will allow them to use their existing 3G network more effectively, offer high speed mobile broadband and provide a strong technology base for future enhancements of HSDPA. In addition, our solution will also help reduce costs and improve Sonofon’s time to market.” said Finn Erik Hermansen from Nokia Siemens Networks.

Sonofon will initially launch HSDPA services in the four major cities of Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg and Odense- where subscribers will be able to enjoy data transmission speeds of 0.5 – 1.5 Mbps already from day one. The deliveries have already begun and initial coverage was secured within few weeks from first installation.