Nokia
will be a strategic partner for network supply and deployment
in Hutchison's entry into the Austrian market.
Nokia
and Hutchison 3G Austria GmbH have signed a contract for the
supply of Hutchison's 3G network in Austria. Under the agreement,
Nokia will supply its 3G core-network equipment (circuit and packet
switched), as well as operations and support service (OSS) for the
core network and implementation and maintenance services.
In
addition to network equipment, Nokia will provide its Network
Deployment Package, which covers implementation and project
management and the Nokia KeyCareTM Package to maintain the
competitiveness of the network.
Hutchison
3G Austria is a new entrant to the Austria mobile
communications market, and one of six operators to win a license in
Austria's 3G license auction.
"We
are extremely pleased that Hutchison 3G Austria has selected
Nokia as a strategic partner to deploy the most innovative 3G network
on the market," says Ian McCaig, Vice President, Nokia Networks.
"The 3G core network solution included in this deal will help
Hutchison 3G Austria to be a front runner on the road to All-IP
networks and true multimedia services."
"Austria
is an extremely competitive telecommunications market today,
and we are eager to bring to it the most attractive - and reliable --
3G service possible," says Berthold Thoma, Chief Technical Officer,
Hutchison 3G Austria. "This is why the choice of the core-network
supplier is crucial to our business plan."
Nokia
is the industry leader in the global rollout of 3G systems,
having been selected as a 3G supplier by 31 operators in Asia, the US
and Europe. Nokia's 3G solution is based on standard platforms and
open interfaces, which are crucial to the rapid deployment of 3G
services. 3G will provide a powerful boost to network capacity for
both voice services and combined voice and multimedia services. The
Nokia 3G mobile network represents the future of mobile communication
by employing technologies based on Internet protocol (IP) and
introducing wireless access to multimedia services.
Hutchison
3G Austria GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Hutchison-Whampoa Limited (HWL), with headquarters in Hong Kong. HWL
is the Hutchison Whampoa group's holding company. With roots going
back to the 19th century, it is a multinational corporation whose
business activities are extremely diversified. The company is part of
the Li Ka-shing group, together representing 15% of the market
capitalization of the Hong Kong stock exchange. HWL's consolidated
annual sales (including subsidiary companies) topped US$ 10 billion
in 2000; consolidated net profit was US$ 4.4 billion. With around
100,000 employees throughout the globe, the company's investment and
operating activities in five core business fields extend across 34
countries.
in Hutchison's entry into the Austrian market.