Nokia Siemens Networks first to make GSM networks ‘smarter’

New functionality enables simultaneous voice and data calls, quadruples device management capacity and improves efficiency

Smart device users will now be able to experience consistent, high-quality concurrent voice and data services, while using GSM networks. Nokia Siemens Networks is the first to introduce new functionality for GSM networks to harmonize the service experience for smart device users. This smart GSM network functionality also allows operators to manage up to four times more GSM devices on the existing networks.

“A steady decline in prices has led to an increasing use of smart phones even in markets that are yet to move to 3G,” said Prashant Agnihotri, head of GSM/EDGE product management, Nokia Siemens Networks. “It is natural for smart device users to desire round the clock connectivity and demand high data and voice service quality, when they are in a GSM coverage area. Our new functionality will ensure that operators can meet these demands in their GSM networks without making heavy investments or affecting the experience of other users.”

One of the main causes of network congestion is the signaling traffic generated by smart devices that automatically connect far more frequently to the network. Smart GSM network functionality quadruples signaling channel capacity. This additional capacity allows operators to handle up to four times as many devices in a single cell site. In addition, it improves GSM network efficiency by ensuring that traffic channel capacity is not wasted due to signaling congestion.

Smarter GSM networks will also allow users to receive or initiate voice calls while a data connection is active. Without support for the concurrent use of voice and data, incoming voice calls are currently diverted to the voicemail, when there is an active data connection, for instance, when the handset is downloading emails. This has been a common source of frustration for the mobile users.

The new functionality can be introduced to Nokia Siemens Networks’ radio networks via simple software upgrades and is available for deployment now.

Nokia Siemens Networks’ GSM solutions for smart devices builds upon its previously introduced Smart Networks concept for 3G, enabling operators’ WCDMA/HSPA/HSPA+ smart device users to enjoy faster mobile broadband upload and download speeds, longer battery life and better coverage. In addition, operators improve their total cost of ownership. An independent analyst report confirms that smartphones, which are on the company’s 3G networks, enjoy an average of 30% longer battery lifetime and generate up to 50% lower amounts of signaling traffic. Operators can now extend this improved service experience and efficiency into their GSM networks as well. For more information about Nokia Siemens Networks’ industry-leading capabilities in building and delivering smart networks, click here.
About Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of telecommunications services. With its focus on innovation and sustainability, the company provides a complete portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, as well as professional services including consultancy and systems integration, deployment, maintenance and managed services. It is one of the largest telecommunications hardware, software and professional services companies in the world. Operating in 150 countries, its headquarters are in Espoo, Finland. www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com

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