Proximus Belgacom Mobile and Nokia have signed a three-year frame agreement for the supply of a complete radio-access and packet core network for Proximus's 3G network. In addition, Nokia will supply a large range of support services, including planning, implementation, maintenance and training services. The agreement will enable Proximus to further strengthen its leading position in the Belgian market and build on its business by offering state-of-the-art mobile Internet services to its subscribers.
In addition, Nokia and Proximus agreed that Nokia will expand Proximus's 2G GSM network and modernize the older part of the network. Nokia estimates the total value of the agreements could be up to 200 million euros.
Besides network equipment, Nokia will provide its Network Deployment Package, which covers implementation and project management for fast 3G ramp-up. Also included is the Nokia OptiCareTM Package for maximizing service quality and network performance after roll-out, as well as training services for developing staff competences to meet technology shifts.
"These agreements with Nokia illustrate Proximus's philosophy to continuously drive telecommunications progress forward to meet the most sophisticated needs and make innovations accessible to the largest possible number of people," says Philippe Vander Putten, CEO of Proximus Belgacom Mobile. "We are ready to take the next step towards 3G services and offer our mobile customers the experience of real mobility."
"Proximus Belgacom Mobile is the market-leading mobile operator in Belgium, and we are very pleased to have been selected as their main 3G supplier after a very intensive selection process," says Folke Rosengard, Account Director at Nokia Networks. "We are happy to have this opportunity to work very closely with Proximus and take the next steps toward the new era of mobility."
With the agreements Nokia is extending its cooperation with Proximus, which began in 1996 when Nokia became the GSM supplier to Proximus, followed by the delivery of the Nokia GPRS core network in 2000.
Proximus is a joint-subsidiary of Belgacom (75%) and Vodafone (25%) created in 1994. As the number-one mobile communications company in Belgium, Proximus has over 4.1 million mobile subscribers.
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:
Nokia Networks
Communications Department
Tel. + 358 7180 38195
E-mail: nokia.networks@nokia.com
www.nokia.com