Mosaic Telecom becomes world’s first operator to commercially deploy femtocells in the AWS spectrum

U.S. operator selects femtocell solution from Nokia Siemens Networks

Subscribers of Mosaic Telecom, a regional U.S. operator serving rural areas in Wisconsin, now enjoy substantially improved indoor 3G coverage, resulting in high-speed data services and enhanced voice call quality. The operator is the first in the world to commercially deploy femtocells in the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS)* spectrum that uses the 1710-1755 MHz and 2110-2155 MHz bands. Nokia Siemens Networks provided its end-to-end femtocell solution, which is also the first to be based on the 3GPP release 9 standard**.

Femtocells allow operators to build targeted coverage and capacity in specific locations, which is otherwise very difficult with a macro network. Standards-compliant femtocells are a safe choice for operators, giving them the freedom to select different access point vendors over time without making any changes to the core network.

“Femtocells will greatly reduce our capital and operating expenditures due to the reduced load on our macro network. Enabling improved coverage and high-quality voice and data services in coverage-challenged households and enterprises, they are ideal for our predominantly rural presence,” said Rick Vergin, chief executive officer of Mosaic Telecom. “Nokia Siemens Networks’ femtocell solution was a natural choice for us as we look to offer the best service to our customers.”

Under the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks has deployed an end-to-end femto system comprising its industry leading Femto Gateway and the associated management and provisioning systems, along with femto access points based on Ubiquisys’ technology. This complete end-to-end 3G femto solution will support Mosaic in improving rural coverage and offering a better user experience by enabling the introduction of new low-cost tariff plans that can reduce overall monthly bills.

“This pioneering deployment in AWS spectrum signals our increasingly strong momentum in the femtocell market,” said Timo Hyppola, head of the femto product line for Nokia Siemens Networks. “We are delighted to support Mosaic Telecom in enhancing their customers’ mobile experience.”

Mosaic Telecom has a track record of deploying latest technologies and delivering a superior experience to its customers. In 2011, the operator selected Nokia Siemens Networks to provide Long Term Evolution (LTE) equipment*** in place of its existing WiMAX solution.

About Mosaic Telecom

Mosaic Telecom is a multi-faceted provider of quality telecommunications products and services, including 4G cellular service, high speed Internet, video entertainment, landline telephone and long distance, including 3G and 4G mobile service. Headquartered in Cameron, Wisconsin, Mosaic Telecom provides service to both residential and business customers in a large portion of northwestern Wisconsin. Widely recognized as a leader in the rural telecommunications industry, Mosaic Telecom has been in business for over 50 years. More information about Mosaic’s services can be found at www.mosaictelecom.com

About Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks is the world’s specialist in mobile broadband. From the first ever call on GSM, to the first call on LTE, we operate at the forefront of each generation of mobile technology. Our global experts invent the new capabilities our customers need in their networks. We provide the world’s most efficient mobile networks, the intelligence to maximize the value of those networks, and the services to make it all work seamlessly.

With headquarters in Espoo, Finland, we operate in over 150 countries and had revenues of over 14 billion euros in 2011. http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com