Orange HSPA+ network now has nationwide coverage; ‘4G caravan’ tour gets underway

Orange Romania’s evolved high speed packet access (HSPA+) network, which offers end-users downlink transmission speeds of up to 21.6Mbps, has achieved nationwide coverage, following investment of overEUR100 million (USD131.1 million) in 2012. The development was revealed by chief technology officer Madalina Suceveanu in an interview with online portal HotNews.ro; Orange expects to invest a similar amount in its network and services during 2013.

According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database, Orange has stepped up its deployment activities in the wireless broadband sector in recent years, and in 2011 the company invested around EUR110 million in expanding its 3G coverage from 55% to 98%. Meanwhile, dual-carrier (DC) HSPA+ transfer speeds of up to 43.2Mbps are now available in a total of 331 locations, including 18 of the country’s largest cities, and in December 2012 the cellco inaugurated commercial Long Term Evolution (LTE) services in the capital Bucharest.

In related news, local website Connect.ro reports that Orange initiated a so-called ‘4G Tour’ this week to exhibit the capabilities of its LTE network to interested users in ski resorts around the country. A ‘4G caravan’ will tour the country until 23 February, demonstrating a range of experiences. Curious parties will also get to witness footage of the Moonlight Breakfast Hologram Band in concert.