MTS has chosen Nokia Siemens to provide its subscribers with the secure mobile internet
MTS, the largest cellular network operator in Russia and CIS, has recently announced its decision to work with Nokia Siemens networks on a turnkey security application that seeks to ensure secure internet browsing for its subscribers in both GSM and 3G networks. This application is expected to be fully operational by mid 2009.
Along with its subsidiaries, MTS has a subscriber base of over 91.77 million customers. The circles wherein MTS are licensed operators have a total population of over 230 million. The security solution provided to MTS is expected to sieve through general packet radio service (GPRS) and 3G traffic on the roaming interface, and in the process effectively guarding the MTS network from hackers and security breaches.
As per the terms of agreement, Nokia Siemens Networks is the sole contractor and the consulting, design and systems integration is their primary responsibility.
MTS Russia believes that with an increasing number of customers using the mobile device to browse the net and download content, it is the onus of the telecom service provider to protect the users and more importantly, the nucleus of the network from hacker attacks and security breaches from networks wherein the security may be not as tight or well enabled. For achieving this end, Nokia Siemens networks was chosen as the partner based on their existing technology relationship and Nokia's proven expertise in the realm of security solutions.
This move by MTS is particularly relevant because Russia is on the threshold of a mass 3G revolution which will allow mobile access to multimedia through high speed mobile broadband connections. It is extremely essential considering how widespread mobile access is expected to be in the future and with this, the prospect of external threats to the network increases manifold.
Telecom operators are today increasingly making use of consultancy services to study their individual commercial, operational and technological setup and to reengineer their business processes. Nokia Siemens Networks is a pioneer in this field, having worked on nearly 500 complex system integration projects and more than 150 security solutions projects worldwide. It is also one of the largest hardware, software and professional services companies in the world.