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Smart Communications deploys Nokia Siemens Networks' WB-AMR functionalityDec 13, 2012 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) -- Smart Communications, Inc., a provider of wireless services, has deployed Nokia Siemens Networks' Wide Band Adaptive Multi-Rate, or WB-AMR, functionality which enables it to offer high-definition voice services to subscribers. Nokia Siemens Networks is deploying the WB-AMR software feature in Smart Communications' 3G network, and will do so later in its 2G network. The upgrade process requires software updates for the network, and results in subscribers of Smart Communications benefiting from improved voice call quality. According to Smart Communications, the upgrade can be compared to the difference between AM and FM radio. High-definition voice makes it easier for callers to distinguish commonly misunderstood sounds such as 's' from 'f', 'm' from 'n', and 'p' from 't'. Smart Communications recently launched its Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile broadband network supplied by Nokia Siemens Networks. Using the 2100 MHz frequency, the LTE radio access is based on Nokia Siemens Networks' Single Radio Access Network (RAN) and takes advantage of the hardware concurrently used on that frequency for HSPA. The LTE throughput speeds are faster than in the 3G HSPA networks and latency is improved. This is complemented with the deployment of Virtual Antenna Mapping (VAM) in the 3G layer, a feature offered only by Nokia Siemens Networks. It enables doubling transmit signals to maximize the usage of multiple power amplifiers, thus enhancing 3G coverage and throughput performance, the Smart Communications said. In addition to providing WB-AMR, LTE and VAM, Nokia Siemens Networks is also supplying its NetAct network management system for consolidated monitoring, management and optimization of Smart Communications' network across all radio technologies. Nokia Siemens Networks' Intelligent Self Organizing Networks (iSON) capability will be used for increasing automation and speeding up the rollout as well as optimizing Smart Communications' LTE network, Smart Communications added. "In HD voice-enabled areas, callers with HD voice-capable handsets running on 3G will be able to hear the difference instantly," said Rolando Pena, head of technology at PLDT. "Nokia Siemens Networks' WB-AMR functionality lets us deliver significantly superior voice quality. This reaffirms our commitment to implementing innovative services aimed at providing the best communications experience to our customers in the Philippines." http://www.datamonitor.com Republication or redistribution, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without prior written consent. Datamonitor shall not be liable for errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon |