Info Image

Zain SA, Nokia Complete LTE-U Multiband Small Cells Trial

Zain SA, Nokia Complete LTE-U Multiband Small Cells Trial Image Credit: Nokia

Zain Saudi Arabia and Nokia have completed the Middle East's first trial of LTE-Unlicensed, combining unlicensed spectrum in the 5 GHz frequency band with 1800 MHz spectrum to deliver a downlink speed of 223 megabits per second.

Following the trial, the Nokia technology will be deployed in hotspots, for example, in malls and cafes in Jeddah and around the Holy Mosque in Makkah. 

According to Nokia, service providers like Zain are looking to technology innovation to serve the ever-increasing data needs of their customers. LTE-U is one such approach, combining traditional LTE with LTE in unlicensed 5 GHz spectrum to enable service providers deliver exceptional service quality without significantly increasing their spectrum expenses.

Small cells are integral to successfully utilizing unlicensed LTE, and Nokia's Flexi Zone multiband small cell technology will support Zain in significantly increasing downlink data rates for mobile devices while also enhancing mobility, security, and the reliability of 4G/LTE connections.

Eng. Sultan Abdulaziz AlDeghaither, CTO, Zain SA
This trial with the support of our longstanding and trusted partner, Nokia, is an important step in our commitment to adopt the latest technological solutions to provide innovative and best possible services to our subscribers. It will also give us a crucial competitive edge.

Ali Al Jitawi, Head of the Zain SA Customer Team, Nokia 
The trial underlines Nokia's technological excellence and innovation, as well as its commitment to ensuring service providers can provide the best experience to their customers. This deployment will enable Zain to enhance the in-building quality of its service without increasing expenditure.

Author

Ray is a news editor at The Fast Mode, bringing with him more than 10 years of experience in the wireless industry.

For tips and feedback, email Ray at ray.sharma(at)thefastmode.com, or reach him on LinkedIn @raysharma10, Facebook @1RaySharma

PREVIOUS POST

Vivo Brazil Extends Netcracker's BSS Operations for B2C and B2B till 2020

NEXT POST

Batelco Selects Ciena's Packet Optical for New Terrestrial Fibre OTN in Gulf