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Nokia and Ascom to deliver GSM 1800 network to Orange Communications SA, Switzerland
July 02, 1998
Orange Communications SA has chosen the partnership of Nokia and Ascom AG for the delivery of a complete turnkey GSM 1800 cellular network in Switzerland. In May, the Swiss Federal Communications Commission awarded Orange Communications SA a licence to set up and operate a GSM 1800 network.
The multi-year contract is valued at CHF 700 million (approximately USD 460 million) and deliveries are to start immediately.
Nokia will supply a full GSM network including the Nokia mobile switching centre (MSC), home location registers (HLR), base station systems, cellular transmission, short message service centre and the Nokia NMS network management system. Customer services including training, network planning, installation and commissioning will be provided in addition to technical support. Ascom will be responsible for local implementation, site acquisition and construction work.
"Nokia's proven ability and its impressive track record as the world leader in the provision of GSM 1800 networks was instrumental in our decision," says Frithjof H Frederiksen, Directeur Général, Orange Communications. "While Nokia brings its wealth of experience as the world's largest supplier of GSM 1800 systems Ascom possesses extensive know-how in the setting up and installation of telecommunications networks."
"We are proud that Orange Communications commissioned Nokia and Ascom with the planning and building of this country-wide network," comments Mr Hans-Ulrich Schröder Ascom CEO. "Our local competencies and knowledge in network implementation, together with an extensive history in the Swiss telecommunications market, will complement Nokia's expertise in GSM technology."
"We are delighted to strengthen our cooperation with Orange and VIAG in Switzerland," says Pekka Vartiainen, Senior Vice President, Nokia Telecommunications, Europe and Africa. "The agreement further strengthens Nokia's position as the leading GSM 1800 supplier."
Ascom is an internationally active Swiss telecommunications and service automation group, with 12,000 employees worldwide.
With this co-operation, the number of operators to which Nokia supplies GSM technology increases to 72 operators in 36 countries. Nokia ranks as the world's largest supplier of GSM 1800 networks and one of the two largest in GSM 900.
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 totalled FIM 52.6 billion ($9.8 billion) in 1997. Nokia, listed on NYSE (NOK.A), employs more than 38,000 people worldwide.
Further information:
Ms Arja Suominen, Vice President, Communications
Nokia Telecommunications
Tel. (Int.) + 358 9 5113 8193
Fax (Int.) + 358 9 5113 8199
Mr Peter Jenni, Vice President Communications, Ascom AG
Tel. (Int.) +41 31 999 2773
Fax. (Int.) +41 31 999 2117
http://www.ascom.com
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