Nokia and 3GIS Extend Their Managed Services and 3G Network Equipment Contract in Sweden
ESPOO, Finland, February 12: Nokia (NYSE: NOK) and Swedish mobile operator 3G Infrastructure Services AB (3GIS), a joint venture between Telenor and Hi3G, have extended their managed services contract. The renewal of the contract enables 3GIS to gain cost savings and a possibility to focus on the main areas of their expertise, while Nokia can further advance the development of its operational processes, tools, skills and competencies.
In providing managed and support services, Nokia takes full responsibility for alarm monitoring, performance and configuration management, preventive maintenance, site and line maintenance, spare part management, emergency and help desk services, and software maintenance allowing 3GIS to concentrate on its clients. The network will continue to be supported by the multivendor, multitechnology Nokia NetAct(TM) network and service management system, including Nokia NetAct(TM) Traffica and Service Quality Manager.
In addition to the managed services contract extension, Nokia has been awarded a contract for capacity upgrade of the 3GIS transport network. The Nokia Transport solution complimented with Siemens SDH microwave radios will in a cost-efficient way make the 3GIS network ready to handle future mobile broadband services. Nokia supplies the Siemens microwave radios under a reseller arrangement.
"3GIS and Nokia have together developed a highly effective mode of operation that allows successful cooperation and management of one of the largest 3G networks in the world," says Magnus Zetterberg, Chief Executive Officer, 3GIS. "It is great to have a reliable supplier who can provide us solutions and operations that enable significant cost savings and allow us to focus on other areas."
"The combination of Nokia and Siemens products and services are well suited to handling the complex demands that operators are facing today, and thus allowing them to focus on strategic business improvements," says Mika Vehvilainen, Designated Chief Operating Officer for the future Nokia Siemens Networks. "Supported by Nokia Managed Services and a reseller agreement on Siemens SDH microwave radios, our transport solution was well positioned to offer 3GIS the best solution for increasing network capacity cost-efficiently."
Nokia has been working with 3GIS since 2001, supplying WCDMA 3G radio and core networks, and related services as the operator's sole network supplier.
Nokia played a key role in helping 3GIS build out its network. Nokia will provide managed and support services under an extension of the existing operations and support agreement, signed in 2004.
With its proven track record in managing networks on behalf of operators around the world, Nokia is able to support operators to enhance their service offerings and reduce costs. Nokia is a major player in the managed services business with close to 60 managed services contracts globally.
The planned merger to create Nokia Siemens Networks is expected to close in the first quarter of 2007, subject to previously announced closing conditions.
About 3GIS
3G Infrastructure Services AB is a joint venture set up by telecom operators Hi3G Access and Telenor in order to share network infrastructure during the build-out of 3G UMTS networks in Sweden. 3G Infrastructure Services AB's will build and operate a network that covers 70% of the Swedish population. Hi3G Access and Telenor have equal stakes in the joint venture.
Each partner in the joint venture has been granted 3G licenses to provide 3G services to almost 100% of the Swedish population.
Siemens Networks GmbH & Co KG
Siemens Networks engages in a dialog with its customers to create trendsetting communications solutions that help network operators and service providers achieve their business goals. Siemens Networks contributes its innovative strength, worldwide experience and unsurpassed implementation expertise in all areas of voice and data communications. As an innovation leader, Siemens Networks delivers customer value today and prepares customers for tomorrow with trendsetting solutions. Siemens Networks is a fully-owned subsidiary of Siemens AG and operates in about 100 countries. More about Siemens Networks at siemens.com/networks
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.
Source: Nokia
Media Enquiries: Nokia, Networks, Communications, Tel. +358-7180-31451; Nokia, Communications, Tel. +358-7180-34900, E-mail: press.office@nokia.com
