StarHub, Nokia Networks boost 4G experience in Singapore with VoLTE deployment

• Duo claims industry’s first TDD-FDD VoLTE handover, with zero call-drops
• 100% service availability even under heavy loads, such as Singapore’s Jubilee

SINGAPORE’s StarHub has successfully deployed Nokia Networks technologies as part of its 4G HetNet (Fourth Generation Heterogeneous Network) in Marina Bay, a commercial, residential and entertainment hub in the island-republic.
 
The deployment required the integration of Nokia Networks’ TD-LTE, FDD-LTE and outdoor small cells solutions (pic above), Nokia Networks said in a statement.
 
The deployment also showcased the industry’s first TDD-FDD (Time- and Frequency Division Duplex) VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Generation) handover, with zero call-drops and HD (high definition) voice continuity for subscribers, the company claimed.
 
This led to 100% service availability even under heavy loads during recent major events, including Singapore’s Jubilee weekend, it added.
 
“Leveraging the latest technologies to provide our mobile subscribers with the best possible service experience remains our priority,” said StarHub chief technology officer Mock Pak Lum (pic).
 
“With HetNet and through our close collaboration with Nokia Networks, we are proud to deliver the world’s fastest, future-ready 4G network that can address the ever-growing data traffic demands of our customers without compromising on the quality of service,” he said.
 
In the deployment, Nokia Networks leveraged its solutions and services expertise to integrate TD-LTE, FDD-LTE and small cells into one high-performance network carrying voice and data traffic.
 
As part of the solution, LTE-Advanced carrier aggregation delivered high data rates, while Nokia Flexi Zone small cells were installed at strategic traffic hotspots to handle peak-hour data demand.
 
As a result, subscribers enjoyed an ultra-fast mobile broadband experience with optimum network coverage and capacity, Nokia Networks said.
 
“As StarHub’s privileged infrastructure partner, Nokia Networks takes a lot of pride in achieving yet another milestone that clearly differentiates the operator as an innovation leader in Singapore,” said Ray Owen (pic), head of Singapore, Philippines, Australia and New Zealand at Nokia Networks.
 
“This achievement builds further on a partnership that has flourished and evolved over time,” he added.
 
Nokia Networks and StarHub have also showcased LTE-A at 600Mbps using 4X4 MIMO technology, conducted Asia's first live demonstration of Video Orchestration services based on Liquid Applications, and completed South-East Asia’s first 3GPP standard VoLTE call in Singapore.
 
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