Nokia and WestLink Communications have concluded a deal to replace WestLink's existing GSM network with Nokia GSM/GPRS/EDGE core and radio access network equipment, and expand its network to cover additional areas. Nokia will become the sole system supplier to WestLink, which operates the only GSM network in western Kansas.
With Nokia's equipment, WestLink will expand its network coverage by 60 to 70%. The "always on" connectivity of Nokia's GPRS is ideal for services such as Push to Talk and new mobile data services.
Deliveries have begun, with the system scheduled to be operational before year's end.
Under the agreement, Nokia will provide a complete GSM core and radio access network, including EDGE-capable UltraSite base stations, as well as the Nokia GPRS core network and the Nokia Short Message Service Center. Also included are the Nokia NetAct(TM) network and service management system, Nokia implementation services for the GSM/GPRS network elements, plus a five-year CARE agreement. Because the network is EDGE capable, WestLink can easily upgrade the system to provide even higher data rates for 3G services.
"Deployment of this world-class GSM solution will bring increased customer satisfaction not only to our customers but also for our roaming partners who use the network," says Bill Hayden, Director of Wireless Operations, WestLink Communications.
"Nokia is active in the expansion of the GSM footprint across North America, and we are very happy to be working with WestLink in bringing voice and data to the rural mobile users in this part of the U.S.," says Heikki Kasko, Senior Vice President, Nokia Networks.
WestLink is a locally owned and managed communication company by Pioneer Communications. Pioneer Communications is a telephone cooperative with headquarters in Ulysses, Kansas, and a 50-year history of bringing its customers the latest telephone services. In addition to providing landline telephone service in a 5,000 square-mile area of Southwest Kansas and Southeast Colorado, Pioneer also offers cable television, instructional video, and Internet services.
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. (Int.) + 358 (0) 7180 38198
E-mail: networks.communications@nokia.com
www.nokia.com
Press Desk
Nokia Americas
+1 972 894 4573
Email: communication.corp@nokia.com
Nokia Press Office
Tel: + 358 7180 34900
email: press.office@nokia.com
Mr. Randy Westenhaver, Marketing and Advertising Administrator
WestLink Communications
+ 1 785 365 5002
Email: rwest@westlinkcom.com