Nokia and Belgacom Mobile NV/SA have signed a three-year frame agreement for the expansion of the Proximus brand GSM network in Belgium. Nokia will provide a full range of GSM radio-access network infrastructure, operational support systems equipment and related services. Nokia is the sole supplier of Proximus’ GSM network, and the frame agreement will be executed in parallel with the roll-out of Proximus' 3G infrastructure, also supplied by Nokia.
Deliveries have already started and will continue over the next three years, according to Proximus’ needs.
In addition to network equipment, the agreement includes consulting services for project management and provides the Nokia KeyCare ™ Package.
The agreement confirms Nokia role as the sole supplier of Proximus’ GSM and 3G radio-access networks. Nokia is also the sole supplier of the Proximus’ GPRS and 3G packet core. Nokia has supplied mobile networks to Proximus since 1996 and was selected as its 3G supplier in 2001.
"We are very please to be expanding the GSM network, as it well reflects the long-term dedication we have to our relationship with our customers,” says Folke Rosengard, Account Director, Nokia Networks. “Since 1996, we have been working together with Proximus starting with the building and optimizing of its GSM and GPRS network and are now paving the way to a new era of advanced mobile services.”
"The extension of the GSM network shows our commitment to continue providing our customers with best-in-class services. Furthermore, it opens the way to UMTS-based advanced mobile services using GPRS technology," says Philippe Vander Putten, CEO of Proximus. “Our good relationship with Nokia and its competitive products were instrumental in our choice. With Nokia, Proximus will continue providing excellence service and a smooth transition to UMTS -- the next generation of networks.”
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 one of the most broadly held companies in the world with listings on six major exchanges.
Further information:
Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel. + 358 (0) 7180 38195
E-mail: nokia.networks@nokia.com
www.nokia.com