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Nokia wins GBP 200 million GSM expansion contract with Cellnet UK
April 07, 1998
Dual band solution to increase capacity in Cellnet network
Cellnet, the UK mobile phone network operator has placed a GBP 200 million contract with Nokia for the expansion of its GSM network. Supplying equipment to cover both GSM 900 and GSM 1800 frequencies, the Nokia solutions will be used to increase capacity in the Cellnet network. Deliveries start immediately and will continue until the year 2000.
Nokia will supply digital base station controllers and base stations, providing real dual band capability. By simply adding GSM 1800 transceivers (TRX) to the existing GSM 900 cabinets, Cellnet will be able to deploy the new dual band network quickly. Network elements such as the base station controller and network management are shared. Cellnet predicts high user penetration for both voice and data services in the future and so this expansion will increase capacity in line with this forecast.
"Cellnet is committed to continuous network improvements. Through the provision of a dual band network operating on both GSM 900 and GSM 1800 frequencies, we are able to provide a range of comprehensive services to our customers," states Mr Mike Tiplady, Technology Director, Cellnet. "Nokia is a major radio access supplier to our GSM network and this continuation of business further reinforces the excellent working partnership and vision that we share. "
As Mr Peter Kühne, Managing Director, Nokia Telecommunications Ltd comments, "GSM operators such as Cellnet, know that increased demand for both voice and data services will place heavy demands on their networks both now and in the future. Dual band networks, using both GSM 900 and GSM 1800 frequencies, are one way of solving this problem and the simplicity of Nokia's solution makes it an ideal way to increase capacity, fast."
Nokia has delivered dual band network base stations to a number of the world's leading operators. Nokia was the first manufacturer to gain type approval for a dual band base station and is still the only supplier with this product available.
Cellnet was formed by British Telecom PLC (BT) and Securicor Group PLC, and was granted a licence to become a mobile communications network operator in 1985. BT is the majority shareholder with a 60 per cent stake.
Today, over 3 million customers are connected to Cellnet, many using the latest digital services in the UK and 74 countries world-wide.
Cellnet has already invested GBP 1.5 billion in building its UK network which handles around 10 million calls every day. By the year 2001, Cellnet will have invested a further GBP 1 billion in new technology, services and deeper coverage.
Nokia offers total GSM systems, with everything from digital mobile phones to transmission to switching. Nokia holds the world's number one position in GSM 1800 networks and is one of the top two suppliers in GSM 900 networks. To date, Nokia GSM technology has been supplied to 67 operators in 35 countries.
Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is a broad-scope telecommunications company supplying mobile phones, mobile and fixed telecommunications networks, data communications solutions, multimedia terminals and computer monitors. With sales in 130 countries, net sales totaled FIM 52.6 billion ($9.8 billion) in 1997. Nokia employs more than 36,000 people worldwide.
Further information:
Ms Arja Suominen, Vice President, Communications,
Tel. (Int.) + 358 9 5113 8193
Fax (Int.) + 358 9 5113 8199
Mr Dave Massey
Cellnet Press Office
Tel. (Int.) + 44 1753 565 438
Fax (Int.) + 44 1753 565 027
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