Quno.com, a web based rail search and booking service due to launch later this year, has announced it is releasing the UK’s first location-based mobile games at major UK rail stations.  The games have been developed in partnership with SCVNGR, a popular US mobile social gaming platform all about going places, doing challenges and earning points.

Quno’s approach is fundamentally different to other rail ticketing websites. The brand will provide consumers with the latest technology, tools and resources to make rail search and booking simpler. Quno’s endorsement and adoption of social gaming and mobile platforms reflects its focus on engaging with customers using a broad spectrum of communication channels and providing consumers with an enjoyable experience.

The Quno Challenge gives rail passengers the opportunity to participate in fun challenges at each station, competing against other players for badges and rewards. The game will be available at the following stations: London Waterloo, Paddington, Liverpool Street and Euston; Bristol Temple Meads, Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly and Edinburgh.

“Interacting with rail travellers at rail stations will enable us to better understand their needs while providing some light hearted entertainment,” commented Jeremy Acklam, managing director of Quno.com.  “At Quno we understand that customers want us to deliver the latest technology to make their online rail search and booking simpler. With SCVNGR we have extended this into mobile games, delivering them direct to rail travellers.”

“We’re excited to have this relationship with such a stealth company in the UK, offering players the chance to earn immediate access to the Quno beta site and scoring other sweet prizes,” said Seth Priebatsch, Chief Ninja of SCVNGR. “SCVNGR is all about completing fun, simple challenges like snapping a photo of a landmark or thinking up a quick rhyme – the options are limitless!”

To play, rail passengers first download the Quno Challenge application onto their iPhone or Android smartphones.  Once players are physically present at a participating railway station and have ‘checked in’ at the location, Quno challenges can be accessed via the ‘Treks’ tab.

South Africa’s largest network operator, Vodacom South Africa, successfully handled a surge in network traffic due to an influx of half a million visitors throughout the 2010 World Cup. The operator met the increased demand for network capacity and avoided any degradation in performance supported by Nokia Siemens Networks’ Special Event Support (SES) services*. These included consultancy, back-end network monitoring, network optimization and care services.

“There was a huge surge in network traffic during the soccer world cup and in some cases the traffic on a single base station increased by more than 500%. We were determined to not only meet the increased traffic demands, but also reconcile the varying needs and call patterns of foreign and local subscribers,” said Andries Delport, executive director, network and information technology, Vodacom South Africa. “From the preparation phase to the conclusion of the games Nokia Siemens Networks’ support guaranteed high network quality. We thank the company for its excellent professional and proactive support to ensure uninterrupted services for our subscribers.”

“A sudden increase in traffic during major events puts huge pressure on mobile networks, and can cause congestion, revenue losses and customer dissatisfaction,” said Paul Divall, Vodacom South Africa customer team head at Nokia Siemens Networks. “With our vast experience in helping operators maintain excellent network and service performance under extreme traffic conditions, we established the most efficient way to maintain the network for Vodacom South Africa.”

During the preparation phase, Nokia Siemens Networks provided capacity forecasting and optimization services to ensure network readiness across event hotspots such as stadiums, fan parks and airports. During the event, a parallel Network Operations Centre (NOC) was set up to monitor the operator’s multi-vendor radio access network, transmission network, and service delivery across these hotspots. Nokia Siemens Networks also established processes related to event set up, and risk and crisis management, in addition to reviewing operational readiness on a regular basis.

Stonesoft, an innovative provider of integrated network security and business continuity solutions, today announced the extended availability of the StoneGate MobileID authentication software token for five additional platforms: Apple Mac OS, iPod, iPhone, iPad and Google Android. Included in the StoneGate SSL VPN solution, the StoneGate MobileID is a free client application that generates one-time passwords for secure authentication to corporate applications.

The more common cloud computing becomes in corporate business and virtualised datacenters, the stronger is the need for secure access to corporate applications in the cloud. Cloud computing environments need to be accessible and available to people at all times. However, this also represents a serious challenge to security management. With single sign-on capabilities, organisations can maintain optimal security management and ensure strong authentication.

StoneGate MobileID is a free client application that generates one-time passwords (OTP), which are used to provide secure identification to the organisation’s mission-critical systems, such as CRM and corporate e-mail.

The StoneGate MobileID is now available for the following platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux, Apple Mac OS X, smart phones supporting Java such as Windows Mobile and Symbian with native versions for RIM Blackberry, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Apple iPod, Apple iPhone, Apple iPad and Google Android.

“The new version of StoneGate MobileID brings a valuable addition to our existing platform support, providing our customers a unique multi-factor authentication solution” says Marco Rottigni, StoneGate SSL VPN product manager at Stonesoft. “The software allows our customers to implement secure access to applications in the cloud with the extensive identity and access management system provided by StoneGate SSL VPN. This is extremely beneficial for any organisation that wants to make sure their employees can access necessary corporate applications and data at any time while ensuring the highest level of security”.

With the StoneGate SSL VPN solution, organisations can provide controlled yet flexible remote access for their employees, partners and customers. The solution enables organisations to share information freely and yet have full control over who accesses the information, when and from where. Like all StoneGate network security solutions, the StoneGate SSL VPN solution is also available for virtual network environments.

Mobile broadband subscribers of Movistar Chile, a Telefonica Group company, will soon enjoy higher peak data rates from a more efficient mobile broadband network. The operator has selected Nokia Siemens Networks’ leading HSPA+ technology to improve its network capacity and performance, and prepare for next generation mobile broadband, Long Term Evolution (LTE).

Nokia Siemens Networks HSPA+ technology and services will increase downlink speed to 21 Mbps and uplink speed to 5.8 Mbps peak data rates to devices like smart phones and data cards. It will also increase overall network capacity to accommodate the increased mobile broadband subscriber base. Nokia Siemens Networks technology can also improve the battery life of smart devices and speed up the response time for subscriber services.

“Network performance is a key differentiator in helping us retain a leadership position in Chile, which is a strong and competitive telecom market,” said Oliver Flögel, CEO of Telefónica in Chile. “Nokia Siemens Networks will enable us to offer a world-class mobile experience by improving network efficiency and protect our investments by providing a seamless evolution path to LTE.”

As part of the agreement, Nokia Siemens Networks will improve the operator’s network management system based on NetAct. Network implementation services complete the package, ensuring a fast delivery and better network performance. The contract also involves software upgrade and implementation, apart from network monitoring to ensure optimum network performance and service quality.

“The increased adoption of smart devices and the boom in mobile data traffic across Chile have put pressure on Movistar’s existing networks,” added Angelo Guerra, head of the customer team for Movistar Chile at Nokia Siemens Networks. “With our HSPA+ technology, the operator will be able to enhance its overall network quality and performance. Apart from this, we are also showing the LTE path to Latin American operators and subscribers with our first HSPA+ network in the region.”

Mobile subscribers of TeliaSonera’s Swedish subsidiary, Telia are enjoying peak rates of up to 100 Mbps and multiple high end services such as streaming TV and data downloads since the commercial launch of 4G (LTE) in Gothenburg. Under a contract signed in January 2010, Nokia Siemens Networks has provided its radio equipment for the operator’s LTE* roll out in the city.

During the extensive pre-launch tests performed by TeliaSonera and Nokia Siemens Networks, average downlink rates of 85-90 Mbps were measured, peaking at 100Mbps – the maximum data rate supported by the current generation of LTE devices. In the uplink, 30 Mbps were measured, which is again in the top range of the expected uplink data rates.

“Our worldwide premiere of 4G services in Stockholm and Oslo last year and today in Gothenburg, is strong testimony to TeliaSonera´s commitment to provide the fastest mobile Internet speeds to our subscribers,” said Erik Hallberg, senior vice president and head of Mobility Services Sweden in TeliaSonera. “We enjoy the distinction of being the only operator worldwide to offer commercial 4G services. Going forward, we´re continuing the 4G network roll out during 2010 in Sweden’s 25 largest cities and vacation areas.”

“TeliaSonera aims to provide its Swedish subscribers the country’s fastest and most reliable network. Its recent and successful commercial LTE services launch in Gothenburg is an important step in this direction,” added Jan Lindgren, head of the TeliaSonera customer team at Nokia Siemens Networks. “We have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with the customer, and with this, we look forward to mutually building on our market leadership in LTE technology.”

Nokia Siemens Networks is supplying its award-winning Flexi Multiradio Base Stations under the two-year radio network contract. The base stations will save up to 70% network energy consumption compared to previous generation base stations. Nokia Siemens Networks has also provided its NetAct network management system to monitor, manage and optimize the operator’s multi-vendor network. The overall services offering includes network planning, integration and optimization, and a full range of care services.

Leading Kenyan telecoms operator Safaricom will soon be able to offer new, personalized services to its subscribers. The operator is deploying Nokia Siemens Networks’ Subscriber Data Management (SDM) platform to pull together subscriber data that currently resides on multiple databases. The platform will allow Safaricom to gain better insight into the needs and likes of its customers and offer targeted services. The deployment is part of Safaricom’s transition to an all-IP network.

“We want customers that stay with us because we offer the specific services they love,” said John Barorot, chief technology officer, Safaricom. “Nokia Siemens Networks’ subscriber data management platform helps us understand the needs and demands of our subscribers. This enables us to provide more customized and secure services and that makes for happier customers.”

“A central, unified data base allows secure, seamless data management for services and applications,” added Manfred Egger, head of Safaricom customer team, Nokia Siemens Networks. “By bringing together subscriber data, Safaricom will obtain insight into its subscribers’ behavior and be able to offer customized services that meet their varied interests.”

Nokia Siemens Networks will supply its subscriber data management solution, including the One-NDS real-time subscriber data repository, to consolidate subscriber data from multiple applications*. The consolidation is far more efficient than managing multiple databases for different applications, including Home Location Register (HLR), Home Subscriber Server (HSS) and converged Data Authentication, and provides a converged platform that makes it easier to create and deliver new services.

Nokia Siemens Networks will also enhance Safaricom’s network management system to enable better monitoring and optimization of its network. Integration and consulting services will be provided to ensure a smooth implementation.

Telecom Italia, Italys largest communications service provider, is undertaking a trial of Long Term Evolution  technology, in collaboration with Nokia Siemens Networks, in some city areas of Turin, Italy.

The trial is a major step in the operator’s efforts to bring next-generation mobile services to its customers.

Telecom Italia, together with Nokia Siemens Networks, started in various Turin city areas a trial of Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology.

With the 4G mobile network TIM customers will enjoy services such as high definition video streaming, video conferencing, online gaming and many other multimedia applications for smart devices which respond exactly to the most exigent end user demand. Telecom Italia trials the impact of LTE technology on its own networks supported by Nokia Siemens Networks’ technologies to finetune its transition towards 4G.

Nokia Siemens Networks’ efficient end-to-end offering for LTE comprises its Flexi Multiradio Base Station, as well as its Evolved Packet Core (EPC) technology, which consists of the highly-scalable Flexi NG (Network Gateway) and Flexi NS (Network Server). Nokia Siemens Networks’ commercial LTE accommodates high volumes of real-time traffic to enable operators to meet the data surge caused by the use of always-connected smart mobile devices.

Mobile broadband industry body UMTS Forum congratulates ANATEL, the Brazilian regulator, for having approved changes to use of the country’s 2.5 GHz frequency band, in the scope of Public Consultation #31.

Following the recommendations of the ITU, amendments to Brazil’s General Telecommunications Law now open up use of the band for fixed and mobile communications.

In this context Brazil becomes the latest country to formally permit use of the 2.5GHz band for mobile broadband, according to ITU Option C1 (2x70MHz FDD + 50 MHz TDD). The country’s 2.5 GHz band has been used by MMDS operators on a primary basis to offer pay TV services.

ANATEL’s initiative paves the way to future deployment of LTE and 4G networks, aligning Brazil with other world regions, in a way it can take full advantage of global economies of scale, technological neutrality, international roaming and avoidance of cross country interferences, opposing to the debated alternative of deploying a national spectrum variant within the flexible FDD/TDD approach.

For more than two years the UMTS Forum has worked alongside its industry partners in Brazil and Latin America to prioritise adherence with ITU recommendations over the commercially-driven interests of other groups lobbying for the use of technology-oriented spectrum arrangements.

“This welcome move by ANATEL lays the foundations for harmonised deployment of LTE in Brazil in globally co-ordinated spectrum. This in turn will assure the best combination of reduced equipment costs and an excellent service experience for end users”, commented UMTS Forum Chairman Jean-Pierre Bienaimé. “ANATEL’s pragmatic decision to decouple technical discussions from more politically-driven motives is undoubtedly to the long-term advantage of Brazil’s citizens and its economy. We’re delighted that the efforts of our members have been rewarded at this exciting time for Brazil’s mobile broadband future.”