Nokia Siemens Networks gives voice to LTE

Long Term Evolution/System Architecture Evolution (LTE/SAE) is the next-generation mobile network technology that enables faster and smoother delivery of new multimedia and rich call applications. Based on a flat, all-IP architecture, it provides the most efficient radio solution for mobile broadband voice and multimedia.

Nokia Siemens Networks has developed a smart approach for providing voice service over LTE networks that operators can implement with simple and cost-effective software and hardware upgrades* to their existing 3GPP circuit-switch core network. The "Fast Track VoLTE" approach provides a cost-efficient way to offer voice over LTE (VoLTE) in any mobile network architecture.

The simplicity of the Fast Track VoLTE solution allows Nokia Siemens Networks' customers to make wise use of their existing mobile softswitching and NVS VoIP server infrastructure to manage voice traffic over the LTE network, a function which will eventually be handled by IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). The solution, thus, gives operators the flexibility to offer VoLTE to their customers either by implementing IMS, which brings added value with multimedia services, or by using existing softswitches and NVS, giving them an important competitive time-to-market advantage.

"Fast Track Voice over LTE supplies the missing link in the evolution of voice," said Michael Clever, Head of Next Generation Voice and Multimedia, Nokia Siemens Networks. "It can provide a transitional step between traditional networks and the all-IP world of LTE. The solution allows our customers to exploit their investment in their existing circuit-switched mobile core network, while providing next-generation service. Later, they can proceed to a full IMS solution to provide converged multimedia services, in addition to VoLTE. This is cost-effective, sensible evolution."

The more than 220 mobile operators who have deployed the Nokia Siemens Networks MSC Server mobile softswitch can easily take advantage of the Fast Track VoLTE solution. Or, they can choose instead to provide VoLTE by moving directly to Nokia Siemens Networks' market-proven IMS solution.

Nokia Siemens Networks offers a full end-to-end LTE/SAE network solution, including radio, core, business support systems, network management and integration services. It was the first to demonstrate LTE technology in 2006 with data speeds in the 160Mb/s range, including handovers between LTE and WCDMA/HSPA. In 2008, the company announced it had started to provide its customers with LTE-compatible Flexi Base Station hardware, which offers a smooth path to the future ultra-high speed wireless broadband.

For more information on this industry-leading solution, please go to:

Visitors to the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, February 16th - 19th, can learn more about Fast Track VoLTE at the Nokia Siemens Networks stand in Hall 8.

About Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of telecommunications services. With its focus on innovation and sustainability, the company provides a complete portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, as well as professional services including consultancy and systems integration, deployment, maintenance and managed services. It is one of the largest telecommunications hardware, software and professional services companies in the world. Operating in 150 countries, its headquarters are in Espoo, Finland.
www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com

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Media Enquiries

Nokia Siemens Networks
Kent Tankersley
Converged Core Communications
Tel. +358 7180 38635
e-mail: kent.tankersley@nsn.com

* Notes to editor

Fast Track VoLTE is based on new functionality that can be added to existing MSC Server mobile softswitching equipment (MSS) that has been upgraded to support VoIP with Nokia Siemens Networks' Mobile VoIP Server (NVS) functionality. The solution requires only a simple software upgrade to an MSS/NVS system, plus the integration of an additional hardware unit. It provides all the functions and features required for carrier-grade voice service and interoperates to support seamless subscriber mobility between LTE and current 2G and 3G networks.

Fast Track VoLTE fully supports IMS architecture and utilizes existing Business Support Systems, such as Intelligent Networks, charging and Operations and Management. Besides the fast and easy integration of VoLTE into existing networks, it enables seamless voice services between the different radio domains while keeping all options open for operators to extended IMS-based multimedia services whenever they want.