SOFTBANK MOBILE is upgrading its mobile broadband capability across Japan with technology and services from Nokia Siemens Networks. The operator has selected Nokia Siemens Networks to supply, deploy and integrate its 4G, FDD-LTE (Frequency Division Duplex - Long Term Evolution) network. Under a separate contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will also expand SOFTBANK MOBILE's HSPA+ network to enable new services using the recently allocated 900 MHz frequency band.
Junichi Miyakawa, Executive VP, Director & CTO, SOFTBANK MOBILE, said, "SOFTBANK MOBILE is witnessing a major upsurge in subscriber numbers with now over 28 million customers. We are committed to providing people with the best mobile internet experience through the launch of 4G, using FDD-LTE, and enhanced, nationwide, HSPA+ network coverage. Nokia Siemens Networks' mobile broadband technology and services will help us deliver on this commitment. Importantly, Nokia Siemens Networks' familiarity with our existing network environment offers cost savings as well as enables a faster rollout of high-quality mobile broadband services."
"By launching new LTE services later this year, SOFTBANK MOBILE will reaffirm its leadership as an operator that constantly evolves and adapts to new technologies. In addition, in moving to 900MHz, a frequency used for HSPA+ around the world, SOFTBANK MOBILE will be able to effectively expand its HSPA+ network coverage, capacity and device portfolio. Our global expertise enables us to roll out SOFTBANK MOBILE's new and expanded nationwide networks in a flexible and cost-efficient manner, covering rural areas and major cities including Sapporo, Sendai and Fukuoka," said Takayuki Kanda, Head, SoftBank customer team, Nokia Siemens Networks.
