Nokia Expands 3G Contract

Nokia and Orange have renewed existing agreements for the supply of a complete WCDMA 3G network for the whole of Switzerland. Nokia will be the supplier of both core and radio-access networks for 3G for Orange Switzerland. Deployment of the Nokia WCDMA 3G system has already begun and it will be ready for use by the year end.

Under the agreement, Nokia will provide a complete core and radio-access network, including a number of Nokia MetroSite Base Stations and a full core network, including both circuit- and packet-switching products. Also included is an option to deploy the Nokia MSC Server to modernize Orange Switzerland's core network.

For deployment, Nokia will provide a range of services, including project management, radio network implementation, commissioning and optimization, as well as network integration. Also included are technical support, spare part management and training services to keep the solution running at peak performance.

"We are delighted that after a complete re-evaluation of the WCDMA RAN supply market, Orange Switzerland has selected Nokia as the only supplier to its network," said Tommi Uitto, Sales Director Orange CBT, Networks, Nokia. "This demonstrates the competitiveness of our 3G core and radio network solution, with compatibility and evolution from GSM/EDGE to WCDMA/HSDPA and Release 4 MSC Server, as well as the value that Orange Switzerland places on the ability of our local operations to serve its business."

Nokia has been a complete GSM supplier to Orange Switzerland since 1998. "

Posted to the site on 8th November 2004