Nokia will supply Vodafone with a turnkey package for the expansion of Vodafone's GSM network in Hungary. An agreement signed by the two companies initiates the next stage of their long-term co-operation in GSM by extending the network to full coverage nationwide. Nokia remains the sole GSM supplier for Vodafone Hungary's network.
The turnkey project comprises both GSM network infrastructure and implementation services. The agreement calls for the supply of equipment including UltraSite base stations, cellular transmission equipment, and base station controllers. The Nokia UltraSite is an industry-leading product that makes the network ready for GPRS and WCDMA because it can support GSM, High Speed Data, GPRS, EDGE and WCDMA for 3G technologies.
Nokia will also provide a full package of professional services including Nokia Implementation, Project Management, Construction Works, Site Acquisition and Network Planning services. Nokia will continue to provide Connecting@Care support to help maximise Vodafone's operating efficiency and add value to its business case. With the current agreement, the total value of orders for this year is worth more than USD 50 million.
"Vodafone is constantly working to provide our customers with the best possible service," said Attila Vitai, chief executive officer of Vodafone Hungary. "Mobile telephone users in Hungary are sophisticated consumers who demand quality, and the continued co-operation with Nokia represented by this deal is just part of our long-term strategy to exceed their expectations."
"We feel certain this new agreement will further strengthen the existing good co-operation between Nokia and Vodafone," said Magnus Ehrnrooth, Nokia senior account manager for Vodafone Hungary. "Nokia is committed to supporting Vodafone to become an even more successful player in the demanding Hungarian GSM market."
The co-operation between Vodafone and Nokia began in July 1999, when Nokia was chosen as sole supplier of a complete GSM network to Vodafone. Within three months of signing the concession contract with the Hungarian government, Vodafone successfully introduced its commercial mobile phone service on Nov. 30, 1999, resulting in the world's fastest commercial launch with national roaming.
Vodafone Group Plc is the world's largest mobile telecommunications company with a current market capitalisation of around GBP 125 billion. The Group is focused on mobile voice and data communications, two of the fastest growing segments in the telecommunications industry. Vodafone Hungary (VRAM Telecommunications Ltd.), a joint venture between Vodafone International Holdings B.V. (50.1%), RWE Telliance AG (19.9 %), Antenna Hungária (20%) and Magyar Posta (10%), won the licence to build and operate GSM 900/DCS 1800 mobile radio system in Hungary on 7th July 1999 and launched its commercial service on 30th November, 1999. The company has already secured over 250,000 customers.
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