O2 prepares network for LTE in London

Nokia Siemens Networks has been selected by O2 (Telefónica UK) to prepare its network to deliver 4G services across London and the South East of England. The UK operator is anticipating a rapid launch of 4G following Ofcom’s spectrum auctions are completed.

The decision to upgrade its network to 4G was made after a successful 12-month LTE network trial involving hundreds of consumers and businesses across parts of London. O2’s investment in its UK network with Nokia Siemens Networks includes an upgrade to its existing GSM and 3G (HSPA) network with the latest radio access technology.

Nokia Siemens Networks is also enabling O2’s radio access network (RAN) sharing.

“Delivering mobile broadband while controlling costs and improving efficiency is a major challenge”, said Rob Stent, head of the Telefónica UK customer team at Nokia Siemens Networks.

“We have a strong relationship with O2 and are helping it meet its goals related to network simplification and managing the ever-increasing consumer expectations for capacity, while delivering cost savings.”