CSL and Nokia have signed an agreement for the supply of CSL's 3G network. In addition to the supply of end-to-end network infrastructure equipment, Nokia will also provide project management service for the network implementation.
Project management service will include design, installation, commissioning and integration, as well as a comprehensive set of maintenance services. The services provided include Nokia Online Services, Help Desk, Software Maintenance, Hardware Maintenance, Technical Support, Emergency Support services, as well as Operator Competence Development to maintain the competitiveness of the network after rollout.
The agreement extends the two companies' co-operation which began in 1991, when Nokia became the first GSM supplier to CSL. Nokia has supplied both core and radio-access equipment, as well as GPRS to CSL, which currently serves around one million GSM subscribers. Nokia will continue as a key technology partner as CSL moves into the 3G market.
"We are pleased to be a provisional successful bidder of the 3G licence in Hong Kong," says Mr. Hubert Ng, CSL's Chief Executive Officer. "The move to 3G is a natural progression for CSL to meet the growing demand for data intensive mobile services, and by choosing a trusted partner with a long history of close co-operation, CSL is making the right decision to ensure the continued success of our mobile business well into the future."
"Hong Kong has always been a 'showcase' market in telecommunications, with one of the most advanced and demanding consumer environments," says Jouko Päivinen, Vice President, Customer Operations, Nokia Networks. "This is why our long-term co-operation with CSL is of key importance to us. Nokia is extremely pleased to see this relationship continue with Nokia playing a major role in CSL's plans for success in 3G."
About CSL
CSL is a pioneer in the mobile communications market in Hong Kong. Combining technical and engineering excellence with an in-depth understanding of the mobile market, it translates leading-edge technologies into customer-focused solutions that meet the needs of different market segments.
The Company is acknowledged as the first in Hong Kong to employ a distinctive market segmentation strategy by marketing its services through its three mobile brands: 1010, One2Free, and "1+1" Communications. Quality, innovation and value are the commitments delivered to all mobile customers through these three brands.
The Company launched its mobile services early in 1983 and today operates a world-class GSM/Dual Band network and a TDMA mobile network. CSL also offers comprehensive pre-paid mobile services and international roaming services with the widest coverage in more than 170 destinations in the world.
The Company became the world's first operator to introduce High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD) service in May 2000, and, in November 2000, it launched the first commercial General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) in Hong Kong.
CSL was chosen "Best Asian GSM Operator" in the 2001 Telecom Asia Readers' Choice Awards, an honor the Company has won three of the last four years.
About Nokia
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 broadband 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