Ethiopian Telecommunications selects Nokia to provide GSM/GPRS in 40 million euro deal
August 24, 2004
Nokia's solution for new growth markets reaches a new customer in Africa.
Mobile operator Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) has selected Nokia to supply and deploy GSM network equipment, including the Nokia Connect GSM solution for optimized network coverage, in a deal valued at 40 million euros. It calls for Nokia, and its main subcontractor LeadCom Integrated Solutions, to supply both GSM core and radio equipment to upgrade part of ETC's existing network. Also included are GPRS for advanced data services and Nokia's Operations Support Systems (OSS).
ETC is a new customer for Nokia's GSM solution and the first in East Africa. Deliveries start immediately with the system targeted for operation in December, initially in the Addis Ababa region.
Nokia will provide a full range of GSM and GPRS network infrastructure, including Nokia ConnectSite 10 and Nokia ConnectSite 100 base stations. Nokia, with LeadCom's help, will also provide implementation of the network, including civil works, network planning, implementation and project management for fast quality ramp-up of the solution.
"We are moving ahead strongly in upgrading our network to meet the demand of our customers for reliable mobile services," says Ato Wondimu Girma, D/General Manager, Mobile Telecom Service, Department, Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation. "The Nokia GSM solution will be a large part of this effort, giving us the high-capacity equipment of premium quality that will greatest boost the cost-efficiencies of our existing system."
"We are very happy to welcome ETC as a new GSM customer for Nokia," says Dr. Walid Moneimne, Senior Vice President, Networks, Nokia. "We are gratified that Ethiopia Telecom has chosen Nokia as one of its main GSM suppliers and a trusted partner for the future of its network. East Africa is an important market for us, and this deal is a key milestone in Nokia's network business in Africa, demonstrating our clear and strong commitment to this crucial marketplace."
Training is also provided to help keep the network running at peak performance. The services will be provided using Nokia NetAct (TM), the only fully-featured, multi-vendor, multi-technology operations support system on a single platform.
The Nokia ConnectSite 10 and Nokia ConnectSite 100 base stations are part of the Nokia Connect GSM Solution for network deployment and operation in new growth markets using world-class technology platforms. The Nokia Connect GSM Solution enables operators to lower network-related expenditures and bring mobility to additional mobile users in a cost-efficient and timely manner.
Nokia can draw on its over 15-year track record of implementing and operating networks and its extensive practical experience of implementing mobile services for operators. Nokia has contracted operating services for 21 operators globally, in addition to providing full turnkey implementations for a total of 26 customers in 22 countries. Nokia NetAct(TM) has been delivered to over 300 customers.
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia is dedicated to enhancing people's lives and productivity by providing easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, and solutions for imaging, games, media, mobile network operators and businesses. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on five major exchanges.
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