Nokia Siemens Makes Debut Into Device Business with 4G Router, Dongle

Making its entrance into the device market, Nokia Siemens Networks announced Tuesday it has launched three new 4G devices. 

The Finland-based company has started to sell a USB-dongle and two wireless router models for new TD-LTE network technology, according to a statement released by the company. The announcement was made Sept. 27 during PT Expo Comm in Beijing, China.

“The new devices, stemming from its $975 million acquisition of Motorola Solutions' network gear business, are commercially available to support 4G services using the TD-LTE standard in the 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands,” Reuters reported.

Ken Riordan, head of devices at Nokia Siemens Networks, said in a statement that the availability of compatible devices in the market “can be a significant factor in the uptake of a new wireless technology.”

“By providing devices directly, we allow our customers to offer complete broadband packages to consumers, which in turn would speed up the adoption of new 4G services,” Riordan said.

A plug-and-play USB dongle, the Nokia Siemens Networks USB-LTE 7210 offers mobile broadband to laptops and compatible tablets, according to company officials. The Nokia Siemens Networks CPEi-LTE 7212 is a wireless router built for indoor use that provides fixed wireless connectivity to TD-LTE services via WiFi or Ethernet. Its other wireless router, Nokia Siemens Networks CPEo-LTE 7210, built to withstand the weather and be mounted outdoors, can also provide broadband access, company officials said.

In April, the Netherlands-based communications services company acquired the wireless network infrastructure assets of Motorola, Inc. for $975 million in cash.

However, after the Nokia Siemens-Motorola Solutions deal closed in April, it became evident that the venture was having trouble attracting new investors, according to media reports. In August, TechZone360 reported Nokia Siemens planned to cut close to 1,500 jobs, making up about 22 percent of the 6,900 workers added when Nokia Siemens bought the Motorola units.