Europe
: Nokia announced it is supplying the WCDMA 3G core network, IP backbone
and Nokia's network management solution NetAct (TM) for Hutchison
3G Ireland (trading as "3 Ireland"), which launched its
3G network on July 26th 2005. This represents the 50th WCDMA 3G contract
for Nokia.
Inset
: Stephen Pilkington, Commercial Director, 3 Ireland quoted below.
Nokia is also facilitating fast network ramp up by providing network
planning and design, project management, implementation and integration
services. The design service will provide the required designs and
configurations for the circuit switch core, packet switch core and
IP backbone.
The deal marks a new country entry for Nokia with Hutchison and reinforces
Nokia's position as a key infrastructure vendor with the Hutchison
Group.
"After a thorough process, we selected the best network suppliers
for 3 in Ireland," says Stephen Pilkington, Commercial Development
Director, 3 Ireland. "They offer the necessary expertise, which
will be so vital in the roll-out of our network over the next few
years. We are confident that Nokia's expertise in 3G WCDMA deployment
and its ability to respond to our needs will ensure we are able to
offer our Irish customers the most advanced mobile services."
"Hutchison Group has established a first-class reputation in
mobile communications. We are delighted to continue our close cooperation
in working with them to build out their 3G network in Ireland and
further strengthen our relationship with this leading global telecommunications
player," says Bob Bird, Vice President, Networks, Nokia.
About 3 Ireland
3 Ireland is the new entrant in the Irish mobile services market and
operates one of Ireland's 3G mobile phone licences under the '3' brand.
3 is Europe's leading video mobile (3G) operator and was the first
to offer 3G services to European customers.
In Ireland, 3 has built a new video mobile (3G) network, to offer
a convergence of media, information and telephony to enable live video
calls, multimedia content and entertainment while on the move. 3 has
also signed a national roaming agreement, giving 3's customers full
access to Vodafone Ireland's GSM (or 2G) network, ensuring that 3's
customers will have the same level of national coverage as Vodafone
Ireland's GSM customers.
3 Ireland is 100 per cent owned by Hutchison Whampoa Group which also
holds 3G licenses in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Israel,
Italy, Norway, Sweden and the UK. In March 2005, 3 announced that
it had over 8 million customers worldwide.
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth
and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects
people to each other and the information that matters to them with
easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and
solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides
equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.
www.nokia.com.
