Nokia Siemens Networks said it has reached a deal with Japanese wireless operator Softbank Mobile to expand the carrier’s HSPA+ network using 900 MHz spectrum as well as a separate agreement to supply, deploy and integrate an LTE network set to launch later this year. As part of the HSPA+ expansion, NSN will also provide site acquisition services.
Softbank picked up fresh 900 MHz spectrum assets last month from Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications as part of the carrier’s plans to “cope with the dramatic increase of traffic, enhance coverage, and build a robust disaster-proof communication network.” Softbank said it planned to spend more than $6.8 billion on its HSPA+ expansion in the 900 MHz spectrum band that will include the installation of approximately 16,000 base stations in 2012, and a total of 41,000 base stations by 2016, providing 99.9% population coverage.
NSN said the deployments will be based on its Flexi Multiradio base station solution as well as backhaul transport using its FlexiPacket microwave platform. Financial terms of the deals were not released.
Softbank is currently the third largest wireless operator in Japan with more than 28 million customers, trailing larger rivals KDDI Corp. and powerhouse NTT DoCoMo. Softbank had originally purchased its Japanese assets in 2006 from Vodafone Group for $15.4 billion.
Softbank last year had announced a successful LTE trial with Ericsson.
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