T-Mobile US said it has tapped network partner Nokia Networks to expand the reach and capabilities of its LTE network, including the deployment of LTE-Advanced equipment, greater spectrum support for LTE services, and expanded availability of voice over LTE and Wi-Fi services.
The new contract calls for Nokia Networks to provide equipment and services in support of T-Mobile US’ 700 MHz spectrum resources and its ongoing move to refarm the 1.9 GHz spectrum currently supporting the carrier’s 2G and 3G services to support its LTE offering. Nokia Networks said it would provide LTE-A carrier aggregation for all of T-Mobile US’ spectrum bands.
Nokia Networks added that its customer data management solution has also been updated to support T-Mobile US’ recently launched voice over LTE, Wi-Fi Calling service, unlimited music streaming and international roaming service.
On the equipment side, T-Mobile US is also activating previously installed 4 x 2 multiple-input, multiple-output-ready radio technology at cell sites in a move to increase network speeds and capacity. The 4 x 2 MIMO equipment was installed as part of the previous agreement between the two companies in 2012.
Nokia Networks is also providing project management, network implementation, care and planning services as part of the latest deal.
The deal is significant for T-Mobile US as it shows a continued push by the carrier to expand the reach of its LTE network. The carrier recently announced it had surpassed 230 million potential customers covered by LTE services, which trails that of its larger rivals. However, recent network testing reports have shown T-Mobile US’ LTE network providing superior network performance in a number of larger markets, with the carrier hinting that the addition of its 700 MHz spectrum will help the carrier expand the reach of LTE services.
For Nokia Networks, the deal is a boost to its U.S.-based LTE efforts. The company recently won a part of Sprint’s Spark network program.
T-Mobile US last week announced an expanded deal with Ericsson to supply equipment and services covering 700 MHz spectrum, LTE-Advanced and IP-based voice support.
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