modernized its GPRS core network bringing seamless customer experience and efficient and simplified data management and charging functionality through the integration of Nokia Siemens Networks’ Flexi Intelligent Service Node (ISN).

The Flexi ISN, which performs GPRS Gateway Service Node (GGSN) and data charging functionalities, is fully integrated with the existing Nokia Siemens Networks charge@once prepaid solution to enable flexible charging of data services. The systems integration services ensure seamless consumer experience, while managing an increasingly complex combination of new processes and systems.

With the introduction of Flexi ISN, Tunisiana is able to combine all in one box a GGSN and an Intelligent Charging Node. The deployed Flexi ISN 3.1 system is able, through deep packet inspection, to distinguish the type of traffic such as HTTP browsing, WAP browsing, MMS, streaming, content download thus enabling different charging models based on the type of data service used.

"The Flexi ISN offered by Nokia Siemens Networks will enable us to take a step forward in the way we innovate, giving us greater flexibility in delivering advanced data packages for existing and new services. It enabled us reducing CAPEX and OPEX by combining both GGSN and charging session control all in one box” said Jalel Kamoun, VAS and Prepaid director at Tunisiana.

Nokia Siemens Networks also takes care of competence development services for Tunisiana’s employees, identifying need and creating customized learning solutions to match and realize the full potential of Tunisiana’s resources.

Tunisiana’s network continues to be supported by the multivendor, multitechnology NetAct network and service management system that provides a holistic, 24/7 real-time visibility to the entire network, so that the operator can react to the faults immediately and is capable of forecasting and optimizing the network performance.

Additionally, Nokia Siemens Networks provides 100% of Tunisiana’s core services and 40% of Radio Access services.

"We are pleased to have met Tunisiana’s demand for a powerful and cost-effective solution to deploy in its network," said Houssem Eddine Ben Othman, Country Director for Tunisia, Nokia Siemens Networks. "We look forward to a continued cooperation with Tunisiana, providing world class technology while bringing significant cost savings and a clear evolution in next generation networks.”

About Tunisiana

Tunisiana’ operations at the end of 2002 and has earned the loyalty of over half a million subscribers in the first year. With incessant brand growth, coverage expansion, and innovative service provision, Tunisiana celebrates an achievement of over three million and a half subscribers (as of December 2007).

Covering 99% of the Tunisian population, Tunisiana’s network has 1,449 base stations.

Now that Tunisiana signed 276 standard roaming agreements, subscribers can enjoy the service in 132 countries around the world. Tunisiana also launched prepaid roaming services with 64 operators in 41 countries.

Information Source:    Nokia Siemens Networks