Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) has been selected to supply and deploy the LTE network and expand Softbank’s HSPA+ network.
“We are committed to providing people with the best mobile internet experience through the launch of 4G, using FDD-LTE, and enhanced, nationwide, HSPA+ network coverage,” said Junichi Miyakawa, EVP and CTO at Softbank Mobile.
NSN will provide support services for the LTE deployment including network implementation and system integration. For the HSPA+ network expansion NSN will provide site acquisition. Softbank expects to offer LTE services by Autumn 2012.
Softbank’s HSPA deployment plan reportedly involves the installation of approximately 16,000 base stations with services expected to be launched on July 25. In March the operator selected Ericsson to deploy the base stations, having been allocated spectrum in the 900MHz band.
Softbank is ranked third in terms of subscriber numbers with approximately 22.2% market share. Ahead of it are KDDI with 27.3% and NTT DoCoMo with 47.5%.
