Manx Telecom will partner with leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider Huawei to deliver its 4G LTE mobile broadband network. In addition to building the network’s infrastructure, Huawei will also supply the latest 4G devices to the Manx Telecom portfolio, enabling its customers to take advantage of super-fast services with increased mobile broadband speeds several times faster than current 3G services. Huawei will also update Manx Telecom’s 2G & 3G networks to the latest generation technology, improving performance across the entire mobile network.
Mike Dee, Manx Telecom CEO, commented:
”Building a 4G network is a significant undertaking in terms of both investment and engineering. Over the next three years we will invest ?10million in 4G and we are very excited to announce our partnership with Huawei. We have selected the best supplier, and the most advanced solution, which offers the flexibility we require to ensure that we can continue to offer our customers a world class service. With our long history of pioneering mobile technology, and the wealth of expertise and experience which Huawei will provide, we are confident that our customers will experience the very best that 4G has to offer. They can rest assured that we will continue to provide the Island’s best mobile service and coverage, just as they have come to expect and enjoy with Manx Telecom’s leading 3G service.”
4G – or Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology – offers the potential to provide mobile broadband with speeds comparable to those currently only available on fixed line broadband. Huawei will deliver and integrate 4G LTE base stations into Manx Telecom’s existing mobile network utilising Huawei's cutting-edge SingleRAN LTE solution which will enable a wide variety of high-performance mobile applications and multimedia services, including video calling and conferencing, high-definition content transmissions such as live TV streaming, high-speed video downloads and uploads, and faster access to social networking platforms. To date, Huawei has won 217 commercial 4G network contracts and deployed 102 commercial 4G networks worldwide. With a global business footprint on 6 continents, Huawei 4G covers more than 100 capital cities and nine global financial centres. Victor Zhang, Chief Executive Officer Huawei UK, said:
“I’m very pleased to announce our partnership with Manx Telecom. They have a reputation for delivering innovative services to their customers and Huawei is honoured to have been selected to build Manx Telecom’s 4G LTE network. As a global leader in 4G LTE, we offer Manx Telecom the world’s most deployed and advanced mobile communications solution.”
Mr Dee added that as well as being good news for Manx Telecom customers, the 4G network constructed in collaboration with Huawei would also bring many advantages to the Isle of Man economy.
Chief Minister Hon Allan Bell MHK commented:
“A world class telecoms infrastructure is always high on the list of priorities for inward investors, so it’s vitally important that the Isle of Man keeps pace with other leading jurisdictions by introducing 4G. I welcome the news that Manx Telecom plans to launch its 4G network next year, and that they are collaborating with a world class 4G technology provider.”
Manx Telecom’s 4G network will be deployed in the 800 and 1800 MHz frequency ranges, meaning customers can buy “4G ready” smartphones from now. The network will be launched in the first half of 2014 and tariff plans, as well as further details on coverage, will be announced in the New Year.
Photo - Mike Dee, left, Manx Telecom CEO, and Victor Zhang, Chief Executive Officer Huawei UK.
