The voice capacity of the 3G networks of Finnish operator Elisa and Nokia Siemens Networks has been cost effectively increased recently with the help of a new technology. This increase in voice capacity can be as much as 100%. Nokia supplied the R&D prototype for the trial call conducted in Elisa’s live 3G network. Technically speaking, it was a demonstration of the world’s first circuit switched call over a high speed packet access network (CSoHSPA).
A dedicated voice channel exists for voice calls to be carried by mobile systems such as GSM. This is called circuit switching. Voice calls are carried over HSPA’s packet-based transport channels by the CS over HSPA feature.
There would be no difference noticed in the voice service with the CSoHSPA technique. However, when this technique is supported by the continuous packet connectivity (CPC) features of 3GPP Release 7, it requires much less handset battery power. Thereby it offers a considerable increase in talk time – potentially up to 50%. 3G can be used as the preferred network for making voice calls by consumers and operators, as this efficient technique cuts call setup times in half and operators benefit from much higher voice capacity per carrier. Enabling the technique in existing 3G networks is simple. All that is required is a software upgrade in the radio access network. There is no need to make changes to the core network.
“In the field of digital mobile communications, Elisa has been a forerunner in both Finland and internationally. Elisa’s fast 3G network is the best network in terms of coverage, range and quality in Finland and as such, perfect to demonstrate new technologies. For our customers CS over HSPA enables better quality as it increases talk time and it is also cost efficient way to further develop our network”, commented Timo Sippola, Technology Manager in Elisa.
The exhibition demonstrates the focal point of Nokia and Nokia Siemens Networks on features that profit both the operator and consumer thus providing a continuous solution.
HSPA evolution, or HSPA+ includes the CSoHSPA feature, standardized on top of 3GPP Release 7. The driving force behind HSPA+ is the Nokia Siemens Networks. Additionally, Nokia Siemens Networks has demonstrated HSPA+ peak rates of 21Mbps. They have also broken new ground in network simplification with the flat architecture of I-HSPA (Internet HSPA), in order to improve network efficiency on the whole to meet the needs of growing data traffic.