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Telenet undertaking major network modernization with ZTE

ZTE will help the Belgian operator upgrade to 3G, 4G and “4G+” technologies

Belgium’s largest cable TV and broadband provider Telenet signed a long-term strategic partnership with ZTE to modernize its nationwide network.
Telenet acquired mobile operator BASE from KPN for 1.325 billion euros ($1.47 billion) in 2015. in order to gain access to the mobile telecom market. With the new agreement, the Chinese company became the official vendor for the operator’s national UniRan radio access network in Belgium.
Under the partnership, ZTE will be responsible for modernizing the current BASE network, replacing radio equipment and equipping all mobile BASE sites with high-tech radio stations. By replacing 2G base stations and optimizing indoor and outdoor 3G, 4G and “4G+” coverage, ZTE said it will enable Telenet to increase network capacity by 2018 to accommodate mobile customers currently hosted on the Orange network.
The Asian vendor also said the project will prepare the network for the future arrival of new mobile technologies. The project is set to run until the spring of 2018.
“Since the takeover of BASE, we’ve already explained on many occasions how high our mobile ambitions are. Today, we’re ready and the project is taking shape,” said Telenet CEO John Porter, adding the partnership with ZTE will allow the Belgian company to develop a high-quality mobile network to help the company position itself as a leading converged operator in Belgium and Europe.
Telenet’s investment in upgrading its mobile network is part of the company’s strategy to not only have its own mobile network, but also manage its infrastructure. BASE currently provides LTE services through spectrum in the 800 MHz and 1800 MHz bands.

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Juan Pedro Tomás
Juan Pedro Tomás
Juan Pedro covers Global Carriers and Global Enterprise IoT. Prior to RCR, Juan Pedro worked for Business News Americas, covering telecoms and IT news in the Latin American markets. He also worked for Telecompaper as their Regional Editor for Latin America and Asia/Pacific. Juan Pedro has also contributed to Latin Trade magazine as the publication's correspondent in Argentina and with political risk consultancy firm Exclusive Analysis, writing reports and providing political and economic information from certain Latin American markets. He has a degree in International Relations and a master in Journalism and is married with two kids.