Turk Telekom on the Road to Fixed Network Transformation

Disadvantages of the Traditional Network

Established in 1847, Turk Telekom is the largest integrated operator in Turkey, the fifth largest fixed network operator in Europe, and the thirteenth largest fixed network operator in the world. It owns 95% of Turkey’s fixed network resources including copper, fiber, and PSTN access points, and provides fixed-line, transmission, and data network services. In the third quarter of 2009, Turk Telekom had around 17 million PSTN users and over 12 million GSM users.

As Turk Telekom’s networks have developed, the disadvantages of traditional PSTN—such as aging, large size, high power consumption, and lack of new value-added services—have become apparent. Many employees are required for day-to-day operation and maintenance, and this increases operating expenditure (OPEX). With these issues in mind, Turk Telekom carefully began planning the transformation of its networks from TDM to IP. This transformation would occur in 7 stages over 4 years.

The Most Challenging Transformation Program in the Industry

Evolution and development of an entire network is important in an operator’s overall strategy. Partners are required to have cutting-edge technology, reliable delivery, rich experience, and comprehensive strength.  Turk Telekom’s fixed network transformation program is characterized by its large-scale and complex architecture. It has become the largest program of its kind in Europe with 31 physical sites and over 17.5 million lines.

In September 2007, bidding for the project was opened, and would involve two-years of strict testing and selection. ZTE and seven other device manufacturers participated in the bidding. After careful evaluation, Turk Telekom concluded that ZTE’s advanced and mature all-IP core network program was wholly satisfactory for the task of evolving their networks. ZTE is an ideal partner to shoulder such responsibility. The company provides total next-generation network (NGN) solutions including IMS core network, service platform, MSAN, and high-capacity trunking gateways, as shown in Figure 1.

Total NGN Solutions Playing a Role

Drawing on its extensive experience, ZTE devised tailor-made solutions for Turk Telekom’s new network. Twenty sets of core control devices are designed to cover the whole of the country, and several sets of media gateways and signaling gateways are designed to connect with the existing network. ZTE’s NetNumen UNMS is used for unified network management.

These solutions will allow Turk Telekom to kick-start its all-IP transformation. The new network will feature the following:

■    A completely new and flattened NGN architecture: This will greatly reduce Turk Telekom’s OPEX and CAPEX.

■    Smooth evolution: The new network inherits all existing PSTN services, but also supports richer integrated multimedia broadband services such as Voice over Broadband (VoBB), Voice Call Continuity (VCC), Converged One Number, Converged Centex, Unified Message Service (UMS), Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), Multimedia Ring Back Tone (MRBT), and Number Portability (NP). This will help Turk Telekom lead the local market.

Sailing Smoothly into a New Ocean of Business Transformation 

ZTE’s all-IP architecture, large capacity products, and total NGN solutions are designed to fully implement large-scale network transformation. ZTE’s fixed network transformation program with enhanced functions can work with traditional terminals such as POTS, V5, ISDN BRI/PRI, and H.323. Original services are inherited and improvements made so that users have a consistent service experience. Seamless connection with existing network OSS/BSS is also supported. ZTE’s extensive global experience in network transformation and IP implementation is vital to the success of the project. Turk Telekom is thus positioned for a comprehensive business transformation, rapidly responding to user demands for new telecommunications services, and consolidating its leading market position by providing rich, integrated multimedia broadband services.

ZTE Wins Fixed Network Transformation Contract with Turk Telekom

July 5, 2010       Source: totaltele.com

ZTE has been selected by Turk Telekom, the fifth largest fixed network operator in Europe, as the sole supplier of core network equipment and services for a nationwide all-IP network transformation project.

The total capacity of the network will be 17.5 million lines with more than 31 sites, making it the world’s largest ever fixed network replacement contract. ZTE will deliver a comprehensive next generation solution including an IMS core network, a comprehensive service platform, MSAN and large-capacity trunking gateways. The network will enable Turk Telekom to launch experience-rich converged services including VoBB, VCC, Converged One Number, Converge Centrex, UMS, MMS, MRBT and NP.

“ZTE’s cutting-edge next generation all-IP core network solution fully meets Turk Telekom’s requirements of migrating its legacy PSTN to a converged multi-service network which will enable the operator to rapidly complete its business transformation and maintain the leading position in the local market,” said Mr. Xu Ziyang, President of Core Network Product, ZTE Corporation.