T-Mobile USA inked agreements with Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) to support its $4bn 4G network evolution deployment plan by 2013.
As per the deal, Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Networks will deploy Release 10 capable equipment at 37,000 cell sites across T-Mobile’s 4G network, in a bid to improve signal quality and enhance performance beginning in 2012.
T-Mobile USA chief technology officer Neville Ray said the company is making great progress on its $4bn 4G network transformation.
"With these partners on board and the AT&T AWS spectrum secured, we’re on track to enhance our 4G experience this year and deliver nationwide LTE in 2013," added Ray.
"Not only are we delivering a fast 4G experience to a higher percentage of our customers, we’re also making it more affordable to step up to 4G."
T-Mobile said it also aims to be the first carrier in North America to deploy antenna integrated radios, enabling reduced site loading.
T-Mobile secured the AWS spectrum licenses from AT&T Last week as part of the breakup of the proposed merger fee between the two companies.
The addition of new spectrum enables the launch of LTE in AWS spectrum in 75% of its top 25 markets.
T-Mobile also plans to launch 4G HSPA+ service using the 1900 MHz spectrum in a large number of markets by the end of the year, in a bid to provide customers a broader range of devices, including the iPhone, on T-Mobile’s 4G network.
The carrier also announced that its nationwide HSPA+ network covers over 220 million people in 229 markets.
