Nokia today announced an agreement with Cable & Wireless Optus for the sole supply of a comprehensive 3G mobile network in Australia. The agreement covers the supply of 3G RAN (Radio Access Network), for both WCDMA and EDGE, as well as the complete 3G Circuit and Packet Core Network. Nokia will additionally be a key mobile Internet applications partner of Optus Mobile.
The initial value of the deal is potentially in excess of $900 million Australian dollars over seven years.
Nokia will provide its full end-to-end 3G solution covering applications, charging, security, network management, packet and circuit switched core infrastructure and radio access network. Deliveries of the Nokia UltraSite base station have already begun, and the mobile packet core will evolve from the Nokia GPRS core that Optus already has in commercial use.
The agreement also covers a continuation and extension of Nokia's existing 2G relationship where Nokia has a GSM BSS infrastructure supply agreement with Optus.
Paul O'Sullivan, Managing Director Mobile, Cable & Wireless Optus said, "This agreement will support our aim of being the first to launch a high quality commercial 3G network in Australia. It places us in an ideal business position to lead the mobile market and offer the most advanced range of services to our customers."
Kevin Brough, Managing Director, Nokia Networks Pacific said, "We are delighted to continue our cooperation with Optus. The deal will enable Optus to combine the power of mobility and the internet and build on their existing business to rapidly create new services with a cost efficient 3G network. We eagerly look forward to working with Optus to grow the mobile information society in Australia."
Nokia's 3G infrastructure is based on open standards, platforms and interfaces, critical for a smooth evolution to commercial 3G services.
Nokia already offers a full range of support services and solutions to help network providers differentiate in today's fast-changing business environment and rapidly build out 3G networks.
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