Nokia has agreed a global framework with leading global mobile operator Orange, recently acquired by France Telecom; to supply full 3G network solutions, including Nokia's unique mobility core and radio access technology, terminals and services.
The 3-year agreement will enable Orange to deliver best in class high speed mobile Internet services based on open platforms. Orange aims to be at the forefront of bringing advanced mobile Internet services to its subscribers, both in France and its affiliate networks around the world.
To support the Orange networks for 3G, Nokia will supply 3G packet core elements and the Nokia 3G Mobile Switching Centres (3G MSC) as evolutionary steps to an all-IP core network solution. In addition, the agreement covers all the elements for a complete 3G radio access network including triple-mode Nokia UltraSite base stations supporting WCDMA, EDGE and GSM.
The agreement also includes Nokia's 3G services and systems integration expertise, to integrate, implement and develop the network, leading to a unique, standards compliant, end-to-end 3G enabled system.
"Nokia is delighted to have been selected by Orange as their 3G partner, this represents another major milestone agreement for us," said Dr JT Bergqvist, Senior Vice President, Nokia Networks. "This is further proof of the competitiveness of our state-of-the-art 3G solution and Nokia's leading position in 3G today. Nokia's 3G technology gives operators such as Orange a head start in launching a true Mobile Internet network."
Nokia's 3G infrastructure is based on open standards, platforms and interfaces: critical for smooth evolution to commercial 3G services in a multi-vendor network. It includes integrated end-to-end solutions covering charging, security, network management and service control applications.
Nokia has further strengthened its network implementation capabilities for 3G by selecting four internationally recognized companies as its main partners for turnkey implementation of 3G and GSM networks in the Europe, Middle East and Africa areas. Nokia already offers a full range of support services and solutions to help network providers differentiate in today's fast-changing business environment. This support includes the entire process of planning, building and operating a network, as well as developing, managing and optimizing network operations.
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 one of the most broadly held companies in the world with listings on six major exchanges.
Further information:
Nokia Networks, Communications Department, Tel. + 358 9 5113 8193, Fax +358 9 5113 8199 Email nokia.networks@nokia.com
www.nokia.com
Notes to Editors:
3G is also known in Europe as UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System. 3G is the future of mobile communications and in Nokia's vision, IP-based technologies will eventually form the core of the future mobile network. Nokia's GSM/UMTS system will gradually evolve to an all-IP system, having 3G GPRS network elements as its base.
The 3G system will complement the existing GSM system, not replace it. It will be the vehicle that provides wireless access to multimedia services, and a way to provide more voice capacity, or a mixture of voice and multimedia services.