Tecore Upgrades Oklahoma Western’s Rural Cellular Network

April 21, 2010 – Tecore Networks today announced that it has converted Oklahoma Western’s entire GSM network to an all-IP environment, offering new multimedia services and ready to support next-gen

April 21, 2010 – Tecore Networks today announced that it has converted Oklahoma Western’s entire GSM network to an all-IP environment, offering new multimedia services and ready to support next-generation mobile broadband services. Oklahoma Western first deployed Tecore’s core and RAN equipment for its rural cellular business in 2002, and confirmed the soundness of its investment when it was able to upgrade to an all-IP next-generation network utilizing existing equipment. Tecore also enabled a faster conversion compared to industry standards because its iCore® platform could support legacy and next-generation protocols simultaneously, avoiding down time as the network remained in operation while the RAN underwent software upgrades one node at a time.

As Oklahoma Western sought to increase the performance and efficiency of its mobile network, it turned to Tecore for its expertise and track record in delivering the latest in network innovation for the rural cellular carrier market. Tecore analyzed the current state of the network, recommended and then implemented a comprehensive upgrade to enable Oklahoma Western to introduce new services over time, in line with subscriber demand. The upgrade entailed:

• Picture and multimedia messaging based on the iCore Multimedia Messaging Service Center (MMSC)
• Conversion of legacy GSM BTS’s to iBSSâ„¢ RAN, with BSC and PDU integrated at each node; the new architecture reduces dependence on separate hardware components while allowing distributed processing and more capacity at the network edge
• Upgrade of the iCore to include an all-IP GSN, providing a foundation for 3G UMTS and 4G LTE via software plug-ins
• Transition of all signaling from disparate protocols, such as frame relay and TDM, to IP.

In a traditional network supporting only one technology, an overlay network of the new nodes would have to be installed while the legacy nodes were in operation, and the entire network would have to be shut down for a cutover. With its multi-technology architecture, Tecore was able to completely avoid this process. To further streamline the deployment process, Tecore staged the upgrade kit in its lab, running on a clone of the Oklahoma Western network.

“Oklahoma Western is investing in a vision to deliver sophisticated cellular services to underserved areas of our state, ultimately closing the gap with 3G UMTS and even 4G LTE,” said Pauline Van Horn, Chairman of the Board, Oklahoma Western. “Tecore has been with us from the beginning, and is supporting us as we evolve our network for the future. We would not have been able to achieve our cost targets, timeframe and performance requirements without the unique features of iCore and iBSS, supported by Tecore’s professional services team.”

“We are pleased to have delighted another rural customer with our portfolio of all-IP, multi-technology mobile network products,” said Jay Salkini, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tecore Networks. “Tecore looks forward to meeting with carriers at the RCA Annual Convention, where we will showcase our capabilities including cost-effective and sophisticated migration paths custom-designed for rural operators.”