Case Study: Vipnet expands coastal 3G coverage with Ericsson Psi Coverage

Vipnet expands 3G coverage in Croatia using Ericsson’s Psi Coverage solution – a first in Europe

Vipnet, a leading Croatian telecom operator and part of the Telekom Austria Group, needed to expand 3G broadband coverage across Croatia’s coastal areas and islands, where tourism creates heavy seasonal demand. Because many of these locations lacked access to a power grid, Vipnet required a low-power solution that could support mobile broadband in remote, energy-constrained sites. Ericsson was chosen to help address this challenge with its Psi Coverage solution.

Ericsson implemented Psi Coverage, a unique 3G solution that uses one radio to serve three sectors, providing strong coverage while consuming less power. In tests across 20 sites, the solution delivered superior uplink and downlink performance, 3–6 dB better coverage than omni-split alternatives, and up to 50% lower power consumption than a traditional 3-radio site. As a result, Vipnet expanded reliable 3G service for residents and tourists and created a platform for future rollout in other low-power locations across Croatia.

Vipnet

Tomislav Makar

Access and Transport Network Development Director