Nokia, PLDT set up network lab

Nokia and the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) have set up a Next-Generation Network Laboratory to develop and test end-to-end fixed-mobile convergence services prior to their commercial launch.

The Next-Generation Network Laboratory can leverage PLDT’s current fixed and mobile networks to create converged services for the PLDT Group’s customers.

Nokia has provided the Next-Generation Network Laboratory with end-to-end fixed-mobile convergence solutions, comprised of Unified Core and converged access networks as well as Nokia multimedia and VoIP-enabled terminals. 

"At the PLDT Group, our mobile arm Smart Communcations has been a global pioneer in many new GSM services, like m-commerce and electronic prepaid top-ups. We see convergence as an opportunity to provide our customers with new innovative services that will drive the future growth of our business," said Don Rae, chief operations adviser of PLDT. 

"Convergence is an important part of PLDT’s vision, and the Next-Generation Network Laboratory provides us with a testbed where we can trial new ideas and services before commercial launches," Rae added.

"We are delighted to be working with PLDT to address emerging opportunities for combining fixed and mobile networks and services in the Philippines," said Markku Nieminen, account director of Nokia’s Networks division.

"Nokia is (conducting trials of) its converged solutions with many leading operators worldwide, providing powerful solutions for consumers and corporate customers, as well as fixed and mobile networks, in what is shaping up to be a new chapter in this industry," Nieminen said.

As an example of the new services development, PLDT and Nokia have organized a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) contest for Filipino application developers called the "SIP Challenge."

Forum Nokia provides the developers training and assistance, and they can test their IP-based applications at the Next Generation Network Laboratory.

The Nokia Unified Core includes the Nokia IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), the Nokia VoIP Server, the Nokia MSC Server System (MSS), Nokia Media Gateway (MGW), Nokia Intelligent Service Node (ISN), Nokia Intelligent Content Delivery (ICD) for multi-access control and data services charging, and Nokia D500 IP DSLAM.

Nokia has been the main GSM network supplier to Smart Communications since 1998.