Nokia Siemens Networks, SKY first with 4G in Latin America | Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks, SKY first with 4G in Latin America

São Paulo, Brazil – December 13, 2011

TD-LTE network and subscriber devices provide fixed wireless broadband in Brazil

SKY, the largest cable and satellite TV operator in Brazil, today launched wireless broadband services using fourth generation (4G) technology. Nokia Siemens Networks is the sole vendor for the launch, providing a complete TD-LTE (time division duplex long term evolution)* network, the first of its kind in Latin America.

SKY has initially launched fixed wireless broadband services for customers in Brasília city. The company plans to roll out services to new customers in other cities of Brazil, and other countries in Latin America, in the future. TD-LTE is a 4G mobile broadband technology. It enables SKY to deliver high data throughputs with superior reliability, allowing users to benefit from a wide range of new and innovative multimedia applications and services.

“We are proud to be the very first operator to introduce wireless broadband in Brazil by deploying a TD-LTE network,” said Luiz Eduardo Baptista, CEO, SKY. “To implement our 4G plans, we required a partner that had the strong expertise and solutions to truly assist us in taking broadband experience to a completely new level for our customers. So we selected Nokia Siemens Networks’ end-to-end TD-LTE solution for our TD-LTE network rollout.”

“We are committed to the overall LTE ecosystem and driving the adoption of 4G technology globally,” said Eduardo Araujo, head of Latin America region, Nokia Siemens Networks. “Brazil is a key market for our company. With this deal, we are delighted to have brought 4G to Brazil through our partnership with SKY, one of the region’s leading brands. Our expertise in TD-LTE and strong local service delivery helped SKY roll out the 4G services rapidly for its customers.”

Under the three-year contract, Nokia Siemens Networks has provided the TD-LTE radio network based on its award-winning, compact, energy-efficient Flexi Multiradio Base Station. The company has also provided its FlexiPacket Microwave transport platform and Evolved Packet Core (EPC), which is part of its Liquid Core architecture**. In addition, Nokia Siemens Networks has provided its CPEi-lte 7212, a wireless router built for indoor use that provides fixed wireless connectivity to TD-LTE services via WiFi or Ethernet.

Nokia Siemens Networks has also provided its NetAct network management system to provide consolidated configuration, monitoring and network optimization. The company’s One-NDS subscriber database software will help SKY improve its customers’ experience. One-NDS unifies fragmented subscriber data into a single database for one or multiple network applications, creating a consolidated view of subscriber profile information. Network planning, network implementation and care services are part of the deal to ensure a smooth rollout of the network.

Vodafone Fiji : Free M-PAiSA for Six Months

Vodafone Fiji : Free M-PAiSA for Six Months:

Vodafone has announced zero fees and charges on all M-PAiSA transactions for the next six months calling it the “Free for ALL” promotion. Effectively, customers can now use Vodafone’s M-PAiSA service to do any M-PAiSA transactions at no cost to the user. Customers will be able deposit money and withdraw cash from their M-PAiSA account at no cost. They will also be able to send money to any mobile number and receive money in their M-PAiSA account anywhere in Fiji at no cost; there is no sending and withdrawal fee.

Furthermore, M-PAiSA customers will also be able to enjoy free international money transfer service, ie they will be able to receive money from Australia and New Zealand directly on mobile phone at no cost. This is huge boost and big savings this festive season for many families who receive money from their loved ones in Australia and New Zealand. Upon receipt of monies in the M-PAiSA account, customers can visit any M-PAiSA agent and withdraw the full amount received with no deductions and no withdrawal charges. It offers greater convenience because money sent from overseas is received directly on the recipients’ mobile phone within seconds of it being sent.

Also made free for next six months are all business payment options available through M-PAiSA. These include FEA and Water Authority of Fiji bill payments. Customers will be able to pay their bills from home by depositing money in the M-PAiSA account at an agent and using the bill pay option. Today if customers travel just one stage by bus to pay their bills, it costs them 75 cents. With free bill pay service through M-PAiSA customers now have means and convenience to pay their bills on time at no cost.

Other business payments available at no cost to the user includes hire purchase payments for Courts Fiji Limited, PBS TV subscription, FDB and Housing Authority loan repayments , town and city council rate and parking fines , Fijian Holding Unit Trust and Unit Trust of Fiji payments for unit purchases and Judicial department traffic and criminal fines. Also available at no cost to the user is the loan repayment for the clients of SPBD.

“Thousands of customers are already using this revolutionary mobile phone based financial service that is considered very trendy, convenient and cost effective. With zero fees and charges on all M-PAiSA transactions for next six months, we expect all Vodafone customers to trial this service. They will soon realize how easy, safe and convenient it is to use M-PAiSA for sending and receiving money as well as to make bill payment and other business payments” said Mr. Prasad.

“There are no other hidden fee and charges like monthly account maintenance fees. As an example, if you deposited $100 in your account and left it for a year, you can expect to get your money in full at the end of the year with no deduction whatsoever”, The M-PAiSA Manager said.