Indonesia's Smartfren Partners Nokia Networks to launch LTE-A, plan virtualized core

Indonesia's Smartfren Telecom has deployed Nokia Networks' LTE technology to drive Indonesia's first TDD-FDD LTE network deployment.

The operator is also going to benefit from the flexibility of telco cloud with virtualized EPC in the future. This marks an important step in building a future-ready communications infrastructure in the country, and places Smartfren's network strategy on par with the most advanced operators in the world.

With the new network, subscribers can already enjoy a wide range of data-intensive services such as multimedia streaming, online games, cloud storage and video conferencing.

As part of the contract, Nokia Networks deployed the network in 11 cities across Western Indonesia, including Jakarta, the state capital, utilizing both TDD and FDD spectrum frequencies right from the start of the project. Nokia Networks' Flexi Zone small cell solution was deployed for optimized indoor coverage. Nokia Networks core, radio and services expertise ensured successful network implementation. In the next phase, Nokia Networks will deploy its virtualized EPC for increased flexibility and agility in the network.

Smartfren's large-scale investment in the latest technologies opens the door to new business models, contributes to the economical development of the country and creates new competence development and job opportunities for Indonesians.

Overview of Nokia Networks' solutions and services that powered Smartfren's network:

•Virtualized Evolved Packet Core (EPC) solution, including Flexi Network Server (NS) and Flexi Network Gateway (NG).

•Commercial Single RAN Advanced hardware, including the Flexi Multiradio 10 Base Station for LTE and Flexi Zone 4G indoor pico base stations for best-in-class indoor coverage.

•Software to aggregate TDD and FDD LTE spectrums for better network performance and increased throughput.

•NetAct, a virtualized network management system, for effective and consolidated monitoring and optimization of Smartfren's LTE-A network.

•iSON Manager, a centralized Self Organizing Networks solution to optimize Smartfren's network efficiency.

•Turnkey project for network planning and optimization, design and implementation services.

Paul Hodges, CEO, Smartfren, said: "Smartfren is proud to officially launch the widest and most reliable 4G LTE service in Indonesia. 4G LTE-Advanced will enable our customers to enjoy improved multimedia streaming, online games, cloud storage and video conferencing. Smartfren is committed to bring the best of 4G LTE technology to Indonesia to deliver not only higher speeds but a more stable and reliable 4G LTE experience. This is in line with our Mission, 'to enrich customer's lives through innovative products and services enabled by the widest and most reliable 4G LTE network in Indonesia' ".

Christian Daigneault, CTO, Smartfren, said: "Smartfren is deploying the most advanced LTE technology together with the support of Nokia, using hybrid TDD/FDD to achieve the highest speeds with TDD at 2300 MHz and the widest coverage and better in-building penetration with FDD at 850 MHz. This combination allows Smartfren to offer the widest and most reliable LTE Advanced service for Indonesians".

Dharmesh Malhotra, Head of Indonesia, Nokia Networks, said: "Smartfren's investment in the new LTE-Advanced network with broadband and broadcast capabilities marks a key milestone in Indonesia's telecommunications industry. The operator is also taking an important step towards telco cloud with the EPC virtualization. We at Nokia Networks are proud to support the operator in its initiative to bring world-class connectivity and services to Indonesian subscribers."