Namibia's Leo Selects NSN for Network Upgrade

Namibian mobile operator Leo, part of Orascom Telecom's subsidiary group Telecel Globe and previously known as Cell One, has selected Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) to upgrade its 2G and 3G networks. A press release reads: 'Leo... has selected NSN to expand its pre-paid capability and to extend 2G and 3G network coverage to reach the majority of the country's population. This investment will allow for the faster launch of innovative services to generate new sources of revenue... As mobile phone use in Namibia increases, subscriber demand for new services... is also on the rise. People are looking for greater flexibility and innovative applications... We opted for NSN because they are a trusted partner and their charging solution enables us to quickly launch attractive promotions and marketing campaigns that attract new customers and create loyalty among existing customers.' The 2G and 3G network coverage expansion is being undertaken using NSN's 'Flexi Base Station', which enables faster rollout and helps to reduce power consumption and operational costs. NSN is also expanding Leo's mobile softswitching core network and providing a subscriber data management solution. The Leo network is monitored, managed and optimised by the 'NetAct' network management system. The Finnish vendor is also implementing the latest releases of 'charge@once select' and 'charge@once mediate' software to enable Leo to differentiate itself from the competition through targeted services, and is also responsible for timely network implementation, project management, and maintenance services to ensure fast time-to-market and maintain a high standard of network quality.

 

'Over the last few years, Namibia has seen rapid growth of its mobile telephone subscriber base, and Leo is credited with driving a significant share of that growth. As is the case with most developing countries however, service providers in Namibia face the twin challenges of increased competition and reduced ARPUs,' said Dirk Lewandowski, head of the customer business team for Nokia Siemens Networks. 'This creates pressure to generate new revenue streams through targeted service offerings. The key is identifying which services will work, delivering them to customers, and ensuring that service providers monetize the opportunity effectively. Our solutions are helping operators across the world address exactly these kinds of needs.'