Nokia and Nera, both leading suppliers of wireless transmission equipment, have taken a step in closer technology co-operation by signing an agreement under which Nera will license Nokia's plesiochronous digital hierarchy (PDH) radio transmission technology. The agreement will enhance Nera's existing offering by adding new products based on Nokia's proven PDH radio technology.
Nokia's PDH radio technology provides a flexible, innovative and reliable way of rapidly building network coverage and capacity by means leading wireless transmission technology.
At the same time the two companies have agreed on co-operation in the road-mapping of SDH (synchronous digital hierarchy) and PDH product creation. This way both companies can bring their customers' requirements dynamically into the R&D process.
"Together, Nokia and Nera are generating true economic value-adding synergies," says Pekka Soini, Vice President and General Manager, Wireless Broadband Systems, Nokia Networks. "Our close cooperation exploits increased economies of scale in R&D for both our companies by leveraging Nera's R&D focus on SDH technology and Nokia's R&D focus on PDH technology and the development of next-generation microwave radio products. This is clearly a winning combination."
"By completing our product portfolio with Nokia's wireless transmission technology, we will offer competitive, state-of-the-art technology to our customers," says Bjørn Ove Skjeie, CEO, Nera. "Nera is already a world leader in SDH backbone and access radios, with reliable and innovative products. Now, we are drawing on Nokia's strengths in PDH radio technology. Nokia's product portfolio, together with our CompactLink for the US market, will ensure that we can further improve the best possible choice of products."
The Nokia-Nera cooperation dates back to 1995, when Nokia started integrating Nera's SDH technology into its wireless transmission product portfolio. This integration includes joint product planning and network-management support. Nera enjoys a preferred supplier status for SDH technology with Nokia. Additionally, Nokia will have the possibility of including Nera's PDH technology in its offering for base station transmission in the US market. Nokia has thereby extended its extensive wireless transmission offering to a complete range of industry-leading PDH and SDH microwave radio link products, strengthening its position as a full-scale supplier of products for cellular transmission solutions to network operator 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 one of the most broadly held companies in the world with listings on six major exchanges.
Nera is a world-leading global supplier, developing, manufacturing and selling fixed, wireless and satellite communication equipment and systems. The company designs, develops, manufactures and market point-to-point and point-to-multipoint radio link equipment, satellite terminals, and land earth stations for mobile and fixed satellite communications. Nera is a major supplier to INMARSAT. The Company is listed on NASDAQ in New York (ticker: NERAY) and on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: NER). Nera ASA has an associated company, Nera Telecommunications Ltd., listed in the Singapore Exchange Ltd. (ticker: Nera Tel). Nera's Web site: http//www.nera.no
Further information:
Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel. + 358 (0) 7180 38195
E-mail: nokia.networks@nokia.com
www.nokia.com
Helge Skaar
CIO Corporate Communications, Nera ASA
Tel. +47 55 22 58 20
Mobile: +47 90 14 20 40
E-mail: hsk@nera.no