Nokia to modernize Cambodia’s Cellcard from RAN to backend

Cellcard
Source: www.facebook.com/CellcardFanPage/

Nokia has struck a deal to expand and modernize Cambodian operator Cellcard’s 3G and LTE network to help it meet surging mobile broadband demand. 

Cellcard initially launched LTE services in Phnom Penh in 2015 and has followed up with expansion to other areas. The current expansion involves Nokia’s deployment of around 1,500 additional sites to make mobile broadband services available in other provinces and rural areas.

Nokia’s Global Services and Single RAN technology will enable Cellcard host simultaneous 2G/3G/4G operations on a single platform, helping the operator protect its previous investments. The operator will also deploy IP edge routers from Nokia’s 7750 Service Router product family to ensure that it is prepared for service demands driven by the eventual arrival of technologies such as 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Under the modernization program, Cellcard will use the Nokia 9500 Microwave Packet Radio platform to facilitate the transformation of its legacy microwave transport network to packet radio delivery to meet increasing data consumption nationwide in Cambodia.

Cellcard’s project with Nokia will also see the migration of its current billing platform to Nokia SurePay, which offers real-time, convergent and flexible charging and billing options for various market segments. In addition, the operator can deliver a range of compelling and personalized service offerings to subscribers, as well as promotional offers.

“The expansion of our state-of-the-art mobile broadband network will play a critical role in helping the government enable Cambodians to take advantage of mobile broadband,” said Cellcard CEO Ian Watson.

Harald Preiss, Nokia’s head of Asia North, said, “At the completion of the project Cellcard will be able to deliver superior broadband services to its subscribers in both urban and rural regions. The enhanced customer experience will further enable the operator to not only reduce churn but to also attract new subscribers.”

Internet subscriptions in Cambodia increased from 3.86 million in 2013 to 5.8 million in 2015, according to Telecommunications Regulator of Cambodia, while figures from GSMA Intelligence say mobile broadband is recording a growth of 37% year-on-year in the country.

In related news, Nokia also signed a deal with Bangladesh’s Teletalk to improve coverage in rural areas not currently covered by 2G and 3G networks and enhance the quality of services in urban areas.

Teletalk will deploy the Nokia Single RAN platform, extending its service offerings in parts of the capital city, Dhaka, and five divisions including Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Khulna and Barisal, covering 70% of Bangladesh.

Nokia will also support modernization of Teletalk’s core and optics network and will provide professional services for network planning and implementation for the deployment over the next two years.

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