mmO2, a leading European mobile network operator has awarded Nokia a significant role in the roll-out of 3G service in three of its market areas. Nokia will supply a minimum of 30 per cent of 3G radio-access network (RAN) equipment for mmO2's BT Cellnet (U.K.), Viag Interkom (Germany), and Digifone (Ireland) networks. Nokia will also be able to compete for an additional 40 per cent of the 3G radio network in all three markets.
In addition, Nokia will remain as the major GSM supplier to mmO2 networks. Nokia currently provides the majority of mmO2's total GSM radio-access network implementation, and will have the opportunity to increase its market share in the future.
"Our evaluation of the supplier options was thorough," says John Samarron, chief technical officer, mmO2. "Nokia's market leading radio network products and our ability to exploit the synergies with our Nokia 2G radio-access network were significant factors in our decision, as was Nokia's reliability as a supplier. We are delighted to continue our successful relationship with Nokia and look forward to working with them across our European footprint."
"We are pleased with the outcome of mmO2's 3G supplier selection," says Peter Kühne, senior vice president, Nokia Networks. "The selection of Nokia demonstrates that we play a pivotal part in the introduction of 3G to one of most advanced mobile networks anywhere. We support mmO2's strategy and look forward to close collaboration with them in the 3G era. We are ready to further our close cooperation with mmO2 in all areas, extending a business relationship that started already in the U.K. in the early 1990's."
The agreement outlined in this announcement is subject to final contractual commitments between the two parties.
About mmO2
mmO2 has 100% ownership of mobile network operators in four countries: the UK (BT Cellnet), Germany (Viag Interkom), the Netherlands (Telfort Mobiel), and Ireland (Digifone). Additionally it has operations on the Isle of Man (Manx Telecom) and a leading mobile internet portal business, Genie.
mmO2 was the first company in the world to launch and rollout a commercial GPRS (or 2.5G) network and has secured third generation mobile telephony ("3G") licences in the UK, the Netherlands, and Germany. mmO2 has also applied for a 3G licence in Ireland.
mmO2 has approximately 17.25 million customers and some 15,000 employees, with revenues for the year ended 31 March 2001 of £3.2 billion. Data represented 12.8% of total service revenues in the quarter ending December 31, 2001.
About Nokia
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.
Further information:
Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel. + 358 (0) 7180 38195
E-mail nokia.networks@nokia.com
www.nokia.com
mmO2 Corporate Communications
Tel:+44 (0)20 8606 1402