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.
