OREANDA-NEWS. February 20, 2009. Bakcell, Azerbaijan’s second largest mobile operator, is expanding its 2G network to meet the growing needs of consumers across the country. The network upgrade to EDGE provided by Nokia Siemens Networks will extend the coverage of the network and enhance the quality of service to Bakcell subscribers, addressing the growing need for new mobile data services.

Under the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide to Bakcell a comprehensive radio and a core network extension, introducing its Flexi EDGE Base Station Platform to the Bakcell network. The modular Flexi concept will help Bakcell to implement lean site designs and reduce operational costs through the market’s lowest power consumption provided by Flexi.Ineke Botter, CO of Bakcell, commented: ”It is our aim to provide our subscribers in Baku and the regions with the latest technology and better network coverage and we are convinced that, with the new Nokia Siemens technology, Bakcell will be in the position to develop novel data services for its subscribers. The technology is environmental friendly and enables Bakcell to ensure flexibility in offering a new variety of user friendly mobile services such as video, internet and audio combined usage. It will also allow the simultaneous use of voice and data at a speed comparable to ADSL.”

“We are extremely happy to be chosen by Bakcell for this important network extension in many new regions in Azerbaijan. With our advanced products, we will be able to significantly improve the quality of service to the Bakcell subscribers, and prepare the network for rapidly growing data communication needs. Earlier, the two companies have worked together since 2006 in the Baku area – now with this expansion, we are committed to providing the same proven support in all of Azerbaijan,” said Walter Lemor Head of Azerbaijan Nokia Siemens Networks.

The pioneering Flexi Base Station chosen by Bakcell is revolutionary small, modular and easy to install, reflected in faster network roll outs. It also allows easy site sharing with other operators. Market leader in energy efficiency, Flexi Base Station can bring up to 70% savings to operators in site energy consumption. It is a future ready platform which can easily be combined with other advanced mobile radio technologies such as 3G, WiMAX and LTE.

Deliveries to Bakcell will start in March 2009, and the network extension will be fully implemented by the end of 2009.

Nokia Siemens Networks is the industry leader in WCDMA/HSPA, to date having close to 150 3G radio network references, with over 110 networks in commercial use. The company is also the indisputable leader in EDGE with close to 180 references and commercial deployments. Nokia Siemens Networks is the forerunner in flat network architecture with its I-HSPA innovation and end-to-end LTE solution enabling a smooth migration path for operators to LTE.

About Bakcell: Bakcell is the first company to provide the cellular communication service in Azerbaijan. Having started as one of the first large investor in Azerbaijan Bakcell continues to invest to improve communication services in the country. Bakcell is committed to provide its customers superior quality communication services throughout the country. Bakcell now covers more than 88% of population & 80% of the land area of Azerbaijan.