Telecom Lead Asia: Smart Communications Manila has deployed Nokia Siemens Networks’ Wide Band Adaptive Multi-Rate (WB-AMR) functionality to offer HD voice services to subscribers.

The company has already done pilot implementations of this new feature in Makati, Taguig and Rizal.

“This particular engagement with Smart Communications further strengthens Nokia Siemens Networks’ resolve to provide an innovative edge to its customers,” said Markku Nieminen, head of Smart Communications customer team at Nokia Siemens Networks. “Our WB-AMR technology, tailored to ensure an unprecedented communications experience, marks another step forward in our vision to create smarter networks for the future.”

Nokia Siemens Networks is deploying the WB-AMR software feature in Smart Communications’ 3G network, and will do so later in its 2G network. The upgrade process is simplified by requiring only software updates for the network, and results in subscribers of Smart Communications benefiting from improved voice call quality.

“In HD voice-enabled areas, callers with HD voice-capable handsets running on 3G will be able to hear the difference instantly,” said Rolando Pena, head of technology at PLDT. “Nokia Siemens Networks’ WB-AMR functionality lets us deliver significantly superior voice quality. This reaffirms our commitment to implementing innovative services aimed at providing the best communications experience to our customers in the Philippines.”

Smart Communications recently launched its LTE mobile broadband network supplied by Nokia Siemens Networks.

Using the 2100 MHz frequency, the LTE radio access is based on Nokia Siemens Networks’ RAN. The LTE throughput speeds are faster than in the 3G HSPA networks and latency is improved considerably, bringing Internet access and rich communication experience to mobile subscribers.

This is complemented with the simultaneous deployment of Virtual Antenna Mapping (VAM) in the 3G layer, a unique feature offered only by Nokia Siemens Networks. It enables doubling transmit signals to maximize the usage of multiple power amplifiers, thus further enhancing 3G coverage and throughput performance.

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