Complete modernization of TMCZ´s 2G network provided by Huawei

• One of the most important technology projects starts in October
• 4500 BTSs and 150 BSCs modernized within a year and a half
• Environmental friendliness, higher efficiency and better customer experience as results

Prague October 20, 2008 - On October 7, 2008, the contract on 2G network modernization between T-Mobile Czech Republic and Huawei was signed. TMCZ is going to start one of the most important projects in its history that will affect all base stations and base station controllers across the Czech network. Current Siemens and Motorola equipment will be completely replaced by new technology from Huawei. The modernization will bring significant savings and will enhance service possibilities of the network. The project - during which all approx 4500 BTSs and 150 BSCs will be modernized - is planned for next one and a half year.

"You may ask why to replace the functioning equipment? Some of the BTS have been working for more than 12 years. Even if they have been continuously improved, the development is far away", explains Heinz Schmid, Executive Vice-President technology T-Mobile Czech Republic, adding: "New equipment brings significantly higher capacity and enable the operator to offer to customers new services - e.g. high-speed data - in the whole network."

"We are proud to further our partnership with T-Mobile and to contribute to the modernization of the network across the Czech Republic," added Mr. Ling Haifeng, Vice President Huawei European Region. "With our advanced technologies and fast service response times we are committed to help T-Mobile Czech extend its lead in the dynamic and fast-growing mobile broadband market."

Positive impact on environment + significant savings
Cooperation with one vendor instead of two brings maintenance costs savings, a reduction of spare parts stock, and easier technical staff training and service monitoring. Since new equipment is significantly more efficient, it brings not only a reduction of physical size, but also a reduction of power consumption (approx. by 30%)

This modernization project allows for the combining of demand for additional network capacity with the advantages of a fully modernized network in the most economical way. It allows T-Mobile to offer networkwide EDGE coverage and will support other new features like WAMR (increased voice quality) and EDGE2 in future.

Acceptance test successful
Acceptance testing started in the TMO lab at the end of August. Configuration of several BTS and BSC was tested in conditions very similar to the future live operation. Testing scenarios create large test cases that model real use by covering multiple requirements. At the same time, a smaller configuration was tested in Prague.

Pilot to begin within a few days
As the tests confirmed the equipment is working properly, the beginning of a pilot is planned for end of October in Pilsen area. Two BSCs, one from Siemens and one from Motorola, will be swapped and their performance monitored. The plan is to swap one complete BSC area in one or two nights. The networkwide rollout, which requires swapping more than 4500 BTS and 150 BSC, will take about one and half year. As the swap is held mostly overnight, the impact on customer experience will be insignificant.

T-Mobile Czech Republic, a member of the international telecommunications group Deutsche Telekom, has almost 6.2 million customers, the number-one operator in the Czech market. T-Mobile is an integrated operator: in addition to telecommunications services, it offers comprehensive ICT solutions not only for companies, but also for other organizations and individuals. It provides outstanding services in the high-speed network, which was proved repeatedly by benchmark testing performed by umlaut (former P3) with Best-in-Test seal.

T-Mobile Czech Republic places emphasis on taking a responsible approach to the environment and society. It adheres to fair business practices, helps beneficial applications and services to see the light of day, supports non-profit organizations, small businesses and individuals, and lends a helping hand whenever crisis situations arise. The company’s employees serve as volunteers in many places across the entire Czech Republic.

More information about the company is available at www.t-mobile.cz, www.t-press.cz (the portal for journalists) and www.t-mobile.cz/pomahame (information on the company’s CSR activities).

Contact details of the press unit: press@t-press.cz.