Nokia Networks to work with Primatel to strengthen network operations services for advanced 2G and 3G networks

Nokia and Primatel have signed a global agreement to co-operate in delivering network operations services to operators. This non-exclusive co-operation will reinforce Nokia's capability to support network operations.

With its unique Connecting@Care offering for existing GSM, GPRS and future 3G network operators, Nokia provides a wide range of support services ranging from technical platform support to full outsourcing of network operations. This comprehensive portfolio, which is based on the Nokia Care Packages, is a crucial enabler of 3G and advance 2G networks and the content-rich services that they support.

Working with Nokia, Primatel will build on its extensive previous experience with mobile networks to support the development, management, integration and optimisation of network operations for 3G and 2G. This agreement reinforces Nokia's commitment to providing one of the first 3GPP standards compliant 3G networks with open interfaces in 2001, and to offering the fastest time to market for 3G. For new 3G operators, the co-operation will support improved network performance and a more secure investment.

Nokia is committed to providing network operations services as operators increasingly outsource these functions in order to concentrate on strategic activities such as launching new end-user services. By combining Nokia's expertise with the skills of key partners such as Primatel, Nokia is able to offer right kind of support for all customers.

"In the era of 3G, time to market is crucial, and operators need to get their business up and running as quickly as possible. Nokia's Care Packages will help operators raise the quality, reliability and efficiency of their network operations, and in turn, their usage and revenues," said Matti Makkonen, Senior Vice President, Professional Services, Nokia Networks. "Our partnership with Primatel gives us an important edge in the crucial start-up phase of complex 3G networks."

“Primatel has its’ focus on mobile network implementation and its’ scope includes the total value chain from planning and implementation up to operation and maintenance. The fact that Primatel has very long been involved in teleoperation gives us a good platform for co-operation with external equipment providers,” said Pekka Kuustonen, President, Primatel Ltd. “Although Primatel provides vendor independent solutions, this agreement with Nokia Networks gives us an important springboard to success in the hard 3G competition.”

Nokia's 3G infrastructure is based on open standards, platforms and interfaces, critical for a smooth evolution to commercial 3G services in a multi-vendor network. It includes integrated end-to-end solutions covering charging, security, network management & service control applications.

Primatel Ltd. is Finland’s leading provider of telecommunication solutions. Primatel specializes in comprehensive design, implementation and maintenance of telecommunication networks. For its customers Primatel provides the full range of technical management from design to operation and maintenance on a turnkey basis.

Primatel’s international activities are rapidly expanding due to Primatel’s extensive know-how, which increases the possibilities for co-operation partnership all over the world.

Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.

Further information:
Communications Department
Nokia Networks
Tel. + 358 7180 38195
Email: nokia.networks@nokia.com

www.nokia.com

International Activities
Primatel Ltd.
Tel. (Int.) + 358 2040 65860
Fax. (Int.) + 358 2040 65808

www.primatel.com