NOKIA PRESS RELEASE
October 25, 2001
Nokia chosen as main 3G supplier to 3G Infrastructure Services AB,
the joint venture in Sweden, in landmark network-sharing deal
Nokia will be exclusive supplier of 3G Infrastructure Services AB's
core network and a supplier of its radio network.
Nokia and 3G Infrastructure Services AB, a Swedish joint venture for
3G network-sharing, have signed an agreement for the supply of 3G
network infrastructure, including the exclusive supply of the UMTS
core network. In addition, Nokia will supply its radio-access network
solution and provide technical network operation services.
The deliveries of 3G infrastructure will begin in October 2001.
"Our owners' requirements of construction times and cost-efficiency
at the initial stage, as well as future operating security, present
us with a unique challenge," says Jan Edhäll, Chief Executive
Officer, 3G Infrastructure Services AB. "We are satisfied that
Nokia's 3G system and committed support from Professional Services
fullfills our requirement of sharing the infrastructure in a
cost-efficient manner, while also maintaining top-level quality," he
adds.
In addition to the supply of network equipment for a shared network
solution, Nokia will provide a Network Deployment Package for the
network rollout, as well as care services. Furthermore, Nokia will
provide a complete set of services for operation of the network for a
period of three years.
"We feel that network sharing is a very important strategy for many
operators in today's market," says Ian McCaig, Vice President
Customer Business Team Hutchison, Nokia Networks. "And so we are
delighted that 3G Infrastructure Services AB has chosen us as the
main supplier for this, one of the world's first network sharing
agreements between 3G UMTS license holders."
"We feel that Nokia's UMTS solution is ideally suited for the kind of
tight interoperability required in network sharing arrangements. In
particular, the Nokia radio-access network solution is designed to
minimize costs through equipment pooling and innovative software
features. And Nokia has developed detailed plans for all levels of
multi-operator network operation, from site sharing to shared network
operation and maintenance," he adds.
3G Infrastructure Services AB is a joint venture set up by telecom
operators Hi3G Access and Europolitan Vodafone in order to share
network infrastructure during the built-out of 3G UMTS networks in
Sweden. 3G Infrastructure Services AB's will build and operate a
network that covers 70% of the Swedish population. Hi3G Access and
Europolitan Vodafone have equal stakes in the joint venture. Each
partner in the joint venture has been granted 3G licenses to provide
3G service to almost 100% of the Swedish population. In August 2001
Nokia and Europolitan Vodafone signed an agreement for the delivery
of UMTS networks for Europolitan Vodafone.
Nokia's 3G infrastructure is based on open standards, platforms and
interfaces for a smooth evolution to commercial 3G services. It
includes integrated end-to-end solutions, including charging,
security, network management and service control applications. 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.
Hi3G Access AB is 60% owned by Hutchison Whampoa and 40% by Investor
AB. Europolitan Vodafone is 71% owned by Vodafone.
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