The upgrade work is being undertaken to ensure that KPN’s mobile networks are as efficient as possible and can meet growing demand from mobile users. Ericsson claims that the backhaul upgrade will lead to lower costs per bit, a smooth migration from TDM to packet transport, and the opportunity to scale microwave up to gigabit capacities.
Gerhard Lüdtke, director access network at E-Plus Group, said: "To cope with the continuous rapid growth in data traffic and offer faster mobile access and backhaul networks, we are upgrading our mobile backhaul with the help of Ericsson's MINI-LINK technology. This investment will also allow us to make our network more cost-effective and future-proof, to the benefit of our broadband business."
Work relating to the contract has already begun. Ericsson will install more than 15,000 MINI-LINK transmission node links in the countries before the end of 2013 and will also change the TDM backhaul networks of both operators to packet-based mobile backhaul networks. This will allow the introduction of 4G HSPA Evolution and LTE technology in the future.
E-Plus holds a 19.8% share in the German mobile market and KPN Group Belgium holds a 30.7% mobile market share in the Belgian market. KPN Group Belgium obtained a 2.6GHz license last year, which will become available on July 1 2012.
