Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) has announced that it has quadrupled signalling channel capacity for smart device users, boosting mobile users’ ability to simultaneously enjoy high quality voice and data services over GSM networks, writes Martin Conway.

The enhanced networks effectively permit operators to manage up to four times as many GSM devices in a single cell site, thus vastly reducing signalling congestion and preserving traffic channel capacity, while users are also able to make and receive voice calls while a data connection is active.

The new network capabilities can be accessed with the minimum of fuss and cost; according to NSN, a simple software upgrade is enough for users to start taking advantage of the expanded capacity over the group’s existing radio networks.

Prashant Agnihotri, head of GSM/EDGE product management, Nokia Siemens Networks, explains: “A steady decline in prices has led to an increasing use of smartphones, even in markets that are yet to move to 3G. It is natural for smart device users to desire round-the-clock connectivity and demand high data and voice service quality, when they are in a GSM coverage area. Our new functionality will ensure that operators can meet these demands in their GSM networks without making heavy investments, or affecting the experience of other users.”

Agnihotri claims that these boosted capacities are a natural match for smartphones, citing an independent analyst report that reveals that smartphones running on an NSN ‘Smart Networks’ 3G networks generate up to 50 per cent less signalling traffic and enjoy an average of 30 per cent longer battery life than those on other networks. Operators can now extend this improved service experience and efficiency into their GSM networks as well.