Vodafone has awarded Nokia a contract to be the supplier of 3G network infrastructure to Vodafone Australia and Vodafone New Zealand. Under the agreement, Nokia will provide complete 3G core and radio networks, as well as offer full managed services for network operations. The agreement also allows an option for Vodafone to replace key network elements of Vodafone Australia's existing GSM and GPRS core network with Nokia switching equipment.
Deliveries begin soon, with the launch of 3G services expected to take place in mid-2005.
Under the contract, Nokia is also offering 3G network management and maintenance services in an arrangement known as managed services, including network monitoring, maintenance, and management. Furthermore, Nokia NetAct(TM) functionalities for network and service management are included to improve operational efficiency.
Nokia has been the sole GSM network vendor for Vodafone New Zealand, while Vodafone Australia is a new network customer for Nokia.
Thomas Geitner, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Group, said "The selection of Nokia to supply Vodafone 3G network equipment in Australia and New Zealand demonstrates how the global synergies of the Vodafone Group work effectively across the world."
Posted to the site on 11th May 2004
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/11127.php