TIM Brasil picks NSN, Ericsson and Huawei to deliver LTE

TIM Participacoes (TIM Brasil) has announced the selection of Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN), Ericsson and Huawei Technologies as its preferred Long Term Evolution (LTE) equipment suppliers. The three vendors already supply the cellco with the bulk of its 2G and 3G network gear following the signing of separate three-year deals back in 2011, when the Italian-backed carrier announced a significant BRL1 billion (USD492 million) network modernization plan.

TIM Brasil stated that NSN, Ericsson and Huawei will deploy its 4G LTE gear in the same geographical areas where they currently provide GSM and W-CDMA equipment. Commenting on the development, TIM Brasil logistics director Daniel Hermeto said: “In light of improved interoperability between different network elements from a single provider, our proposal is to promote a more integrated structure, thinking of the continuous improvement of the levels of services provided, apart from a significant increase in operational efficiency.”

Despite its new focus on LTE, the mobile carrier has reaffirmed its commitment to continue investment in its 2G and 3G coverage, believing that 4G LTE can coexist with the older technologies, rather than merely replace them.