Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL), the 50:50 3G network infrastructure joint venture formed by T-Mobile UK and 3 UK to has awarded a £400 million contract for the provision of 3G radio network infrastructure, mobile network planning, implementation, optimization and maintenance, to Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN). The provision of equipment and services is already underway.

The two operators are on course to complete their joint network infrastructure program by the end of 2010. When completed, it will be Europes largest shared network, and NSN points out that it requires fewer masts, consumes less energy and provides customers with a superior mobile broadband service. The HSDPA 3G network already offers outdoor coverage to more than 90% of Britains population. By the end of this year, the network coverage will be expanded to more than 98% of the population.

To date, MBNL has consolidated more than 7,000 sites out of a total of over 12,500 T-Mobile UK and 3 UK mast sites due to be brought together by October this year. When completed, the integration program will also result in more than 3,000 redundant sites being switched off.

“Smartphone and mobile laptop data traffic growth in the UK has been unprecedented, and every sign is it will continue growing fast,” says MBNL Managing Director, Graham Payne. “With Nokia Siemens Networks, we are confident of providing the UKs most Smartphone-friendly, high-speed 3G network to more people in the UK than any other operator, delivering exceptional services to both T-Mobile UK and 3 UK subscribers.” 

To ensure that both operators can enjoy the benefits of the MBNL network expansion, while continuing to function independently, NSN has implemented its Multi-operator Radio Access Network (MORAN) platform, which offers flexibility while merging two networks, enables the re-use of existing infrastructure, and allows a reduction in the number of sites.