Nokia and Brazilian operator Oi, the first GSM operator in Brazil, have signed an agreement for the supply of Nokia ConnectSite base stations to provide optimized network coverage in remote areas. The Nokia Connect GSM Solution, which was launched in Moscow and New Delhi two weeks ago, provides voice service at a low total cost of ownership, an ideal proposition for operators in new growth markets. Oi will be the first Latin American operator to deploy the new Nokia ConnectSite base station.
In addition to Nokia ConnectSite 100 and Nokia ConnectSite 10 base stations, Nokia will provide implementation services. Deliveries will start in October.
The agreement complements Nokia's existing GSM network business with Oi. Nokia has been the main GSM network supplier to Oi since 2001.
"The new Nokia solution is ideal for fast rollout in the rural areas of our market," says Antonio Parrini, Network Director, Oi. "We are aggressively expanding the footprint of our mobile services, and we are happy to see that Nokia has created a solution that perfectly matches our requirements."
"Oi is well positioned to grow its subscriber base in one of the world's fastest growing markets," says José Roberto Paiva, Customer Business Team Director, Nokia Networks Brazil. "Nokia strives to make mobile communications much more accessible to a greater number of people, bringing the benefits of digital service to populations currently without adequate telephony. The Nokia ConnectSite base station will speed up this process, especially in the rural areas of new growth markets."
Nokia ConnectSite 10 and Nokia ConnectSite 100 base stations are part of the Nokia Connect GSM Solution for highly optimized network deployments. Through the Nokia Connect GSM Solution, operators like Oi are able to lower network-related CAPEX and OPEX in building rural coverage, compared to traditional GSM network solutions. This is made possible by new, preconfigured base station solutions.
Significant savings can be achieved through use of Nokia ConnectSite 10 and Nokia ConnectSite 100 base stations, which utilize a "shelter-less installation" concept. "Shelter-less" means that the base stations are located close to the antenna masts, avoiding costly on-ground installations.
These savings strengthen the strategy for markets with low average revenue per user (ARPU) levels by reducing the business risk of building new sites. This allows operators to focus on offering handsets and services tailored precisely for entry-level mobile phone customers.
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed broadband and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.
In June of 2002, Telemar's mobile subsidiary, Oi, commercially launched its GSM mobile services in Brazil. Oi, the only 100% Brazilian mobile telecom operator, owns the first GSM network in Brazil with 2,7 thousands ERBs and an active area of coverage in 16 states and more than 450 districts. GSM technology will enable an instant Internet access, location services (LBS), as well as data, video, photo, and music delivery. Expecting to reach 3 million customers in the end of 2003 and 10 million mobile subscribers by 2010, Oi must ensure that its network is running efficiently. Now, the carrier has 2,6 million clients.
Further information:
Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel. (Int.) + 358 (0) 7180 38198
E-mail: networks.communications@nokia.com
www.nokia.com
Oi
Christian Rôças, Agnes Dantas e Fabiana Monte
+ 55 21 3131-1502/ 1603
Notes to Editor
Nokia Connect GSM Solution is an integrated solution that combines optimized network infrastructure, network management systems and operator services. Combined with Nokia entry-level terminals, the Nokia Connect GSM Solution allows operators to realize savings in CAPEX and OPEX and offer handsets and services tailored precisely for entry-level mobile phone customers.
The solution consists of reliable and robust network elements:
- Complete site solutions based on "shelter-less" Nokia ConnectSite 10 and Nokia ConnectSite 100 base stations, including auxiliaries, transmission and site services. Shelter-less means that the base stations are located close to the antenna masts, avoiding costly on-ground installations.
- Nokia Connect Base Station Controller for expandable capacities and enhanced functionality.
- The scalable Nokia GSM core network, including MSC, HLR and the INAP-based Nokia Connect Prepaid service.
- A centralized Nokia Connect Network Management System for reduced need for site visits.