Telecom Lead Asia: M1 has signed 3G and network modernization deal with Nokia Siemens Networks.
The network modernization project is aimed at offering improved voice and data services in Singapore.
Nokia Siemens Networks, as part of the agreement, will deploy its Liquid Core platform and radio network, refarm GSM 900 MHz frequency to expand operator’s 3G network.
In January 2013, M1 said its service revenue for FY2012 grew 2.8 percent to S$771.6 million, driven by growth in mobile customer base and higher contribution from fixed services.
Net profit after tax for the full-year decreased 10.7 percent to S$146.5 million due to higher handset subsidies. However, net profit after tax for the latest quarter increased 14.4 percent quarter-on-quarter to S$37.9m, reversing the declines seen in the previous quarters.
“With this latest investment, our customers can look forward to better mobile experience, and indoor and outdoor coverage. Our network resiliency will be further enhanced with this modernization,” said Patrick Scodeller, chief operating officer at M1.
M1’s revenue from non-voice services rose 2.0 percentage points to 37.6 percent of service revenue, driven by continued growth in smartphone and mobile broadband customer base. Smartphone customers now accounts for 75 percent of total postpaid customer base.
Paul Tyler, head of Asia Pacific, Nokia Siemens Networks, said: “We well understood the exact requirements of M1 and will provide our advanced Liquid Core platform and refarming service, which are cost efficient, and help increase revenue for the operator.”
Nokia Siemens will provide its Single RAN, coupled with its Multicontroller RNC and Liquid Radio software.
In addition, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide its Subscriber Data Management Platform (SDM) including New Technology Home Location Register (NT-HLR) and One-NDS subscriber data management system for a centralized database repository independent of the application used.
According to M1, with nationwide coverage of the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network and customers progressively completing their existing contract commitments, the adoption of fiber services is likely to accelerate in 2013 and M1 will continue to champion this service.
