Nokia has signed an agreement, for an initial period of three years, to deliver a complete range of 3G mobile network infrastructure to Hutchison 3G UK Ltd. Hutchison 3G has chosen Nokia as the 3G core network supplier and as a major supplier of its radio-access network.
Built on Nokia's unique IP mobility core and radio-access solutions, the network will enable the introduction of new, exciting seamless multimedia services for Hutchinson 3G's nationwide network in the UK.
As the main network supplier, Nokia will supply mobile core infrastructure, including both packet core and circuit-switched core network elements, as well as radio-access network equipment and professional services, which will cover both deployment and support services for Hutchison 3G's new 3G network. Nokia will also provide its mPlatform mobile Internet middleware which will enable Hutchison 3G to offer a rich set of applications and services to its future customers.
As the only dedicated 3G network operator in the UK, Hutchison 3G will provide WCDMA coverage using Nokia's highly flexible Optima Compact and Supreme range of base stations. Nokia will be responsible for deploying the radio-access network covering approximately 50% of the UK population spanning the southern half of the UK as well as Northern Ireland.
"After a very thorough process, I believe we have chosen the best network suppliers for Hutchison 3G. Nokia offers the necessary expertise, which will be so vital in the rollout of our network over the next three years. Nokia brings us the IP ability and network expertise vital to building a brand new network," said Colin Tucker, Managing Director, Hutchison 3G. "Commercial UMTS services are more than just the next step in applying mobile telephony to the Internet - they promise to usher in a revolution and change people's lives and we aim to offer better quality services which are richer, more enjoyable and more relevant to customers."
"Nokia has continued to introduce industry-first solutions that dramatically reduce costs and improve network capacity for future Mobile Internet networks," said Rene Svendsen-Tune, Senior Vice President, 3G Sales & Marketing, Nokia Networks. "Hutchison 3G aims to build its portfolio of service offerings in mobile Internet, high-speed data communications and m-commerce services, and with the combined strengths of Nokia's technology and delivery capability, we are delighted to be able to support their drive towards 3G service creation."
To support the introduction of the mobile network and multimedia services through this agreement, Nokia has agreed to provide a bridge-financing package for the development of the network, with an estimated value of close to GBP 460 million.
[ Home | Contact | MobiChat | Experts database | Let's do it ]
Comments to the content of this page can be posted on the MobiChat discussion group