Finland. Nokia Siemens Networks Oy

The loan has been provided for financing an R&D programme for Single RAN (radio access network). Single RAN integrates several wireless technologies, such as the GSM and WCDMA standards and the upcoming LTE (long-term evolution) into one base station generation. When upgrading the network, conventional base stations and networks require partial replacement of the hardware and a site visit by service technicians. The Single RAN can be upgraded via remote software solutions, which will simplify the operation of mobile networks.

Nokia Siemens Networks is a global provider of telecom services with some 60,000 employees in over 150 countries. The company provides mobile, fixed and converged network technology, as well as related services.

The key environmental issues of the project are fewer base stations as new technologies will not require separate ones; a decrease in energy consumption by the stations; the re-usability of the stations; as well as the possibility to update the stations remotely and to use renewable energy sources. Due to the large number of base stations in the world today, more energy-efficient stations will significantly reduce the total amount of energy being used.