Press Release
First commercial deployment in the Middle East of Centralized RAN technology
More than 25,000 music fans at Abu Dhabis largest music venue enjoyed close to 40% faster average uplink speeds versus existing network without Centralized RAN
Centralized RAN improved network capacity, encouraged fans to upload more data content, increasing uplink traffic volume by 181% compared to similar events
First time uplink traffic surpassed downlink traffic at the New Years Eve concert in Abu Dhabi
08 February 2017
Abu Dhabi, UAE - Nokias first commercial deployment of its Centralized RAN technology in the Middle East, with the UAE-based telecommunications service provider du, treated music fans at a concert with uplink speeds 40% faster than previously possible.
The New Years Eve concert at Abu Dhabis largest music venue, du Arena, drew more than 25,000 fans, with many sharing their experience over social networks. This required dus mobile broadband network to cope with heavy demand for speed and capacity, while ensuring the lowest possible battery drain for concert goers smartphones.
Nokias Centralized RAN technology eliminated uplink congestion by using dus 800 MHz and 1800 MHz bands and linking multiple LTE base cells together into cooperative clusters to improve the overall performance. This resulted in du subscribers at the event being able to share substantial amount of data at speeds close to 40% faster on average when compared to similar events held at the site in November. In addition, the technology resulted in smartphone power savings, as it required less power for uplink, leading to the phone battery lasting close to five times longer than without Centralized RAN.
Nokia Centralized RAN solution at a glance:
Centralized RAN can double the uplink capacity in existing LTE networks and achieves up to ten times faster uploads at the cell edge.
Nokia Centralized RAN builds on 3GPP standardization, bringing performance improvements while being compatible with existing LTE devices.
Operators can build denser LTE networks and reduce subscriber churn by delivering higher capacity and more robust services even during high traffic events.
Saleem AlBlooshi, Executive Vice President - Network Development & Operations, du, said: Mobile users continuously use their devices more and more to share their life experiences with their family and friends. Working with Nokia to deploy its solutions such as Centralized RAN helps us prepare for future bandwidth-intensive applications, while at the same time leverage our existing radio network investment.
Bernard Najm, head of the Middle East Market Unit at Nokia, said: Concert audiences love to share their experiences, and this can put significant strain on mobile networks and phone battery life. We helped du improve its network capacity, meaning customers could upload more videos, photos and messages, a key factor in creating a memorable New Years Eve experience.
Did you know?
In the past year, Nokia Centralized RAN improved the mobile broadband user experience in nearly two million stadium seats across the world.
Picture: New Years Eve concert at du arena, Abu Dhabi
Resources:
Nokia Centralized RAN Home Page
Centralized RAN Executive Summary
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About Nokia
Nokia is a global leader innovating the technologies at the heart of our connected world. Powered by the research and innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we serve communications service providers, governments, large enterprises and consumers, with the industrys most complete, end-to-end portfolio of products, services and licensing.
From the enabling infrastructure for 5G and the Internet of Things, to emerging applications in virtual reality and digital health, we are shaping the future of technology to transform the human experience. www.nokia.com
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