Ucell Deploys a Commercial LTE Network in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has witnessed a sharp growth in the number of mobile users in recent years. Ucell, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TeliaSonera, is the second-largest mobile operator in Uzbekistan. Ucell has a fast-growing mobile subscriber base, and its total number of mobile subscribers reached eight million in July 2011. Ucell was awarded a 4G license by the government of Uzbekistan in July 2010.

With an increase in the number of mobile subscribers in Uzbekistan, the proportion of “ghost subscribers” and suspended subscribers is also on the rise. The number of premium subscribers, however, continues to decline. APRU is also significantly declining because of intensified competition, reduced tariffs, and insufficient 3G services to attract subscribers. Furthermore, with the boom in mobile data and rapid deployment of LTE around the world, Ucell has had to work harder to develop more 3G data users and keep a close eye on LTE trends. Boosting data services is the key to increasing operator ARPU. Therefore, Ucell planned to build a quality mobile network that could deliver feature-rich data services and provide the best coverage. After careful consideration, Ucell finally chose ZTE as its main LTE equipment supplier.

In August 2010, Ucell and ZTE jointly announced the successful launch of an LTE network in Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan. The construction of the network was based on ZTE’s Uni-RAN solution using the advanced SDR technology. Ucell is the first operator to deploy an LTE network within the Commonwealth of Independent States. These achievements are attributable to Ucell’s efficient internal processes as well as ZTE’s outstanding LTE solutions and strong project execution capabilities.

Rapid Deployment

The services ZTE provided to UCell included site acquisition and survey, network planning and design, equipment installation and commissioning, and managed services. Ucell and ZTE worked together to overcome difficulties in acquiring sites and gaining the necessary construction permits. It took ZTE only one month to manufacture and ship equipment for the LTE deployment. The first LTE data call was successfully made one week after all equipment had arrived in Uzbekistan. Ucell CTO, Sait Eryilmaz, wrote a letter of thanks to ZTE for their excellent work during the project.

“I appreciate not only the success of the deployment but also the commitment and determination of ZTE’s team. On behalf Ucell, I am really proud of the incredible work we completed together in such a short time. The Ucell technical team is very happy to work with you,” said Sait Eryilmaz. “The launch of such new technology within such a short period was almost impossible, but your team made possible what is impossible, and that might be a world record. I hope we continue this successful cooperation in the future.”

Seamless 3G and 4G Interoperability

Ucell had a complete 3G network with a huge subscriber base. Its newly-built LTE network will provide subscribers with high bandwidth and feature-rich data services. However, because of the immaturity of the LTE industry, in the initial LTE rollout, Ucell could have faced problems with incomplete coverage, and the quality of the LTE network may not have been the same as the 3G standard. It was therefore necessary for Ucell to ensure interoperability between 3G and 4G networks. Seamless 3G and 4G interoperability allows subscribers to access mature 3G services and high-speed LTE data services. It also encourages more subscribers to use the quality LTE network in the mature stage of LTE deployment.

ZTE proposed interoperability tests for Ucell’s LTE and exiting 3G networks. Multimode LTE terminals were used to implement reselection and interoperation in 3G and 4G systems. The tests showed that there was no adverse effect on user experience. Ucell succeeded in realizing seamless interoperability and smooth service migration among different operators and different systems.

Innovative Solutions

ZTE’s 700/2600 MHz dual-band coverage solution leverages Ucell’s existing LTE spectrum resources and shares BBUs between LTE700 and LTE2600 networks. ZTE’s industry leading SDR-based network convergence solution was also used in the Ucell deployment. The SDR solution protects Ucell’s investment and has enhanced its network competitiveness. Distributed base stations were used to save equipment room, and a multimode co-site solution was used to allow equipment rooms, transmission, feeder antenna, and power supply to be shared between GSM, UMTS, and LTE systems. This solved difficulties in site acquisition, swap-over, and maintenance and helped Ucell cut CAPEX and OPEX. 

Looking into the Future

Ucell’s new LTE network leverages the spectrum advantages that were present in its existing network and offers complete coverage and world-leading mobile broadband performance. The ultra-high-speed transmission and high bandwidth of the LTE network will give users with unprecedented mobile access.

As well as providing high-speed data access and complete mobility, a highly reliable LTE network also enriches entertainment and interaction. People can enjoy high-bandwidth HDTV, 3D-TV, interactive games, and e-Learning anytime and anywhere. The LTE network will change the way people work, live, play and communicate. It will allow them to be fully immersed in a high-speed mobile experience.

In terms of business applications, LTE networks will provide mobile office, mobile HD video conference, real-time mobile monitoring, mobile interactive market promotion, and real-time mobile medical imaging. This will create more business opportunities for enterprise users and help them become more effective and productive.

Ucell aims to advance 4G telecom and will continue to work with ZTE to offer more innovative and customer-oriented services to mobile users in Uzbekistan.