Samsung selected by Three UK for LTE RAN and Core Infrastructure Deployment

Samsung signs first major European network supply contract

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, an advanced network solution provider, has been selected to provide LTE Radio Access Network (RAN) and 3G/LTE core infrastructure solutions to Three, the UK’s leading mobile internet operator. The deployment marks Samsung’s first commercial mobile network roll-out in Europe.

 

To provide an innovative and market-leading mobile data service, Three UK, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hutchison Whampoa Limited, is focusing on the development of its LTE network in the United Kingdom using Samsung’s innovative LTE RAN and Core solutions.

 

As part of the agreement, Samsung will deploy LTE base stations, including all associated systems and network support services, across Three’s UK-wide network. The solution will be trialled by Three UK and Samsung starting this year and moving to full deployment and commercialization in 2013.

“Three’s customers will start benefitting from this investment in our core network early next year and those benefits will grow further as we deploy new spectrum,” said Dave Dyson, CEO of Three UK. “Samsung’s advanced network technology will help us to continue to deliver the most enjoyable smartphone experience. In Samsung’s home market operators are busy turning off 2G. In the UK Three is the only operator without a 2G network which means more and more consumers are choosing the network built for the internet.”

 

“This contract marks a significant milestone for Samsung and further demonstrates our commitment to the European market,” said Youngky Kim, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Telecommunication Systems Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung has been active in developing and commercializing data-specialized mobile solutions since the early 2000s, and has accrued significant experience in LTE projects around the globe. We are bringing the full weight of this experience to our deployment with Three UK, and trust this will mark the start of many successful relationships with leading mobile operators based in Europe.”

 

“This contract is a demonstration of Three UK’s desire to provide the best possible service and solutions for its customers,” said Mark Thompson, Sales and Marketing Director, Samsung European Network Operations. “Currently, one in four LTE connections globally are brokered through Samsung’s LTE infrastructure. Three UK will be the first of many European operators to benefit from this wealth of experience.”

 

Based on its wide range of field experience in LTE, Samsung has successfully partnered with dozens of mobile service providers—including Sprint and MetroPCS in the US, KDDI in Japan and Mobily in Saudi Arabia—to help them implement advanced LTE solutions. Samsung provides a comprehensive end-to-end LTE portfolio spanning radio access networks, core networks, IMS, system integration and managed services.

 

Following the success of Samsung’s LTE and Mobile WiMAX deployments in the US, Asia and the Middle East, Samsung continues to strengthen its market presence in Europe. As part of this strategy, in 2011 Samsung founded a specialist organization, the ENO (Europe Network Operations), as the center of its 4G business in the region; and throughout 2012 it will be significantly accelerating its investment and business footprint in the region.