Huawei Technologies addresses challenges in commercial 3G deployment

Prompt response to customer requirements is driving Huawei's growth in the third generation (3G) mobile systems segment and the company aims to increase its subscriber base from its existing eight million subscribers. Globally, 28 of the world's top 50 telecom operators are Huawei customers and the company is also exhibiting its product line-up featuring cost-effective and 3G-oriented solutions at the conference.

'The introduction of UMTS data services is driven by customer demand and the search for new sources of revenue by telecom operators. However, if the costs of implementing and supporting these new services are higher than the generated revenues, operators will think twice before introducing them. Worldwide, telecom infrastructure is growing at a steady pace, but, in the Middle East, it is growing at a phenomenal pace,'

said Wang Jiading, vice president, Huawei Technologies Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Operations.

'As a result of the low mobile penetration in the region, telecom operators are diversifying the scope of their services and focusing on low income groups and new data services to drive subscriber growth. Mobile penetration in the MENA is expected to increase 162 per cent between 2004 and 2009,' he added.

According to Jiading, the rapid changes in the regional telecom landscape presents significant opportunities for operators to reduce their capital and operational expenditure by using new technologies such as soft switch and shared core network, improving average revenue per user (ARPU) with colourful mobile data services and increasing data access speed with 3G/HSDPA.

Huawei has been awarded 31 UMTS/HSDPA contracts worldwide and become a major 3G partner of world-leading mobile operators, including Vodafone Spain, eMobile of Japan, KPN of the Netherlands, Optimus of Portugal, P4 of Poland, Etisalat of the UAE, PCCW of Hong Kong, TM of Malaysia, and NTS of Indonesia. The company has deployed more than 10,000 UMTS/HSDPA Node Bs around the world and, according to a survey undertaken by Frost & Sullivan, Huawei bagged the second spot in terms of number of UMTS contracts won in 2005.

Based on the 3G technology, Huawei launched its new GSM solution, the EnerG GSM Solution that reduces network infrastructure and maintenance costs for customers. It is 3G-oriented, enabling operators to upgrade their networks and make profits, even with low average revenue per user (ARPU).

'Focusing on customers' requirements is crucial for Huawei to be recognised by global operators. Customer needs drive our research and development processes and we aim to create maximum value for our customers with our innovative solutions,' added Jiading.