Nov
28
Written by:
Editor
11/28/2008 10:13 AM
Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL), the 50:50 joint venture formed by Hutchison 3G UK (3UK) and T-Mobile UK to manage the integration of both operators' 3G radio access networks (RAN), has awarded Ericsson a four-year managed services contract for the operation and maintenance of the consolidated network.T-Mobile and 3 formed their infrastructure sharing agreement in January 2008 - with network integration and upgrades expected to be completed in 2010.
Under the terms of the agreement, Ericsson has responsibility for the operation and performance management of both parent companies' 3G networks and T-Mobile's 2G RAN infrastructure. The four-year contract will enable MBNL to control operational expenses and deliver high service levels at a time when the 3G network consolidation is moving into the mass deployment phase.The first integrated cell site was commissioned in early February 2008. Since then MBNL has concluded a pilot in the Leeds and Bradford area which successfully validated the network sharing technology and is now engaged in consolidating the radio access networks across the UK.
Tags: