Celcom Axiata Berhad announced that it has selected Nokia’s optimization services to enhance its network, voice and data quality in Klang Valley and Kuala Lumpur.
The Telco said that it will be investing close to RM1 billion this year to improve network quality and expand its LTE network to a total of 2,014 base station sites.
Nokia’s optimization service enables operators to analyze, plan, deploy, and optimize heterogeneous networks. These are said 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 behavior 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. In a recent small cell project, Nokia found that this methodology allowed 20% cost savings compared to more traditional approaches. In addition, customer experience was boosted with 21% more end users being able to access the highest data speeds.
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. By profiling device usage and behavior as well as traffic patterns, Nokia’s unique 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. Network optimization is supported further by device profiling and the company’s Smart Device Insight which measures the actual user experience, enabling targeted and swift improvement actions.
“This initiative is part of our network optimization program to provide a top quality mobile network to Celcom’s customers in Malaysia. After implementing it across Sabah, Sarawak and the East Coast, we are expanding this program to the Klang Valley. This year, we 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,” said Dato’ Sri Shazalli Ramly, Chief Executive Officer of Celcom Axiata Berhad.
“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. We put customers at the core of our business, and our efforts will enable subscribers to enjoy the best-in-class customer experience, wherever and whenever they are in Celcom Fastest Territory’s fastest and widest mobile network.”
“This deal marks another important milestone in the two companies’ long-standing partnership,” said John Lancaster-Lennox, head of Asia South, Networks, Nokia. “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.”
