Celcom to optimise Klang Valley network performance with Nokia
By Digital News Asia June 3, 2014
- Celcom investing RM1 billion this year to improve network quality and capacity for better data services
- Next phase centred on Klang Valley, using real-time network information and geolocation techniques
CELCOM Axiata Berhad (Celcom) has selected Nokia’s optimization services to enhance its network, voice, and data quality in Klang Valley and Kuala Lumpur.
Shazalli Ramly (pic), chief executive officer of Celcom said this initiative is part of the telecommunications provider’s network optimization program to provide a top quality mobile network to customers in Malaysia.
“After implementing it across Sabah, Sarawak and the East Coast, we are expanding this program to the Klang Valley,” he added.
This year, Celcom will be investing about RM1 billion to improve network quality and capacity for better data services, with the target of completing 2,014 active 4G LTE sites nationwide by the end of the year.
“Nokia, one of our key suppliers and partners, has a deep understanding of our network infrastructure as well as the capability and expertise to take it to the next level. We believe that this partnership will enhance our overall network performance by addressing issues that affect quality of services,” said Shazalli.
Nokia will use real-time network information combined with the latest geolocation techniques to plan and optimize Celcom’s 2G and 3G radio network infrastructure.
The company’s optimization service enables operators to analyse, plan, deploy, and optimize heterogeneous networks.
It is touted to provide the deepest and best analysis of hotspots to help operators understand the impact of traffic density – as well as devices, applications, and subscriber usage behaviour in congested urban areas. Nokia integrates small cell radio and backhaul design and includes macro, in-building, and Wi-Fi solutions to ensure a holistic approach.
John Lancaster-Lennox (pic), head of Asia South, Networks at Nokia said the deal marked “another important milestone” in the two companies’ long-standing partnership.
“Leveraging upon our expertise and experience in global network deployments, we will implement our market-leading solutions to ensure that Celcom has the highest quality network in Malaysia and retains its position as the operator-of-choice in the country,” he added.
Citing a recent small cell project, Nokia claims that this methodology allowed 20% cost savings compared to approaches that are more traditional. In addition, customer experience was boosted with 21% more end users being able to access the highest data speeds.
By profiling device usage and behaviour as well as traffic patterns, the optimization service will pinpoint exactly where additional capacity or coverage is needed.
Together, Nokia and Celcom will then plan the best solutions to handle rapidly growing data traffic, boost network performance and enhance the mobile broadband experience for each user.
Device profiling and the company’s Smart Device Insight, which measures the actual user experience, enabling targeted and swift improvement actions will support network optimization further.
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