ZTE to deploy packet switched core network for KPN Group Belgium
Belgian mobile network operator KPN Group Belgium (including BASE) has inked a packet switched core network deal with Chinese vendor ZTE under which the latter will deploy equipment supporting unified radio access. Under the terms of the deal it is understood that ZTE will deploy its Uni-Core solution, which supports the seamless evolution from 2G/3G packet core to evolved packet core (EPC), and assists operators in supporting unified 2G, 3G and 4G access. The vendor has claimed that its solutions will help KPN Group Belgium ‘deliver differentiated services, further enhancing its service innovation capability and network competitive strength’.
In a press release revealing the agreement, ZTE noted that this is its second such contract with the Belgian cellco’s parent company, Netherlands-based KPN Telecom, having signed a core network construction project with KPN Germany back in September 2010. Commenting on this latest deal, KPN Group Belgium’s chief technical officer Tom Poelhekken said: ‘KPN and ZTE have a history of successful partnerships cooperating on technologies … The new core network project is another step [towards] enhancing KPN’s overall network performance.’