If the networks 3G/HSPDA use in France the frequency band 2100 MHz, this one does not make it possible to transmit the signal on long distances and offers a weak penetration inside the buildings.

To pass in addition to these difficulties, and in preparation for the saturation of the allocated frequency bands, the operators study the possibility of using another frequency band, that to 900 MHz, currently used for the networks 2G.

Nokia, as an equipment supplier telecom, and French operator SFR thus carried out an experimentation aiming at transmitting vocal calls 3H/HSDPA last in 900 MHz on mobile network SFR.

The experimentation was carried out with a relay station Nokia Flexi WCDMA Base Station reconfigured with a solution of division of existing infrastructure GSM, and a prototype of mobile Nokia WCDMA 900.

“We are impressed by the vocal quality of the call and the speed of transfer of the user data HSDPA answers our waitings completely. Alternative WCDMA 900 MHz constitutes an effective solution which could enable us to extend our services 3G to the rural zones in a profitable way”, indicates to Paul Corbel, directing Réseaux general and Systems at SFR.

the equipment provided by Nokia makes it possible to reconfigure a traditional relay station GSM900 so that it also accepts the network 3G/HSDPA.

It will be necessary however to await the approval of the European Union for its deployment, this one also studying the possibility of using band 2500 MHz, which would certainly unchoke the networks 3G but would not offer qualities long range of band 900 MHz.

Nokia source