Nokia will expand and upgrade network to EDGE in Budapest and provide 3G core for the entire country.
Espoo, Finland - Nokia and Hungarian operator Pannon GSM have signed an agreement for the expansion of Pannon's GSM network and upgrade to EDGE in greater Budapest, as well as deployment of a Nokia WCDMA 3G circuit-switched core network for nationwide service. In addition, Nokia is providing a turnkey network implementation plus an extensive range of services.
Under this extension of an existing agreement, Nokia will supply the complete range of network equipment to upgrade Pannon's network to EDGE in Budapest, providing subscribers in the Hungarian capital with 3G-type of services and improved quality for 2G services. Deliveries have already begun, and EDGE-based wireless broadband services have just been launched recently in Hungary.
In addition to the EDGE and 3G core systems, Nokia will provide a comprehensive range of services including turnkey network implementation, network performance verification and care services to help Pannon maximize its operating efficiency and add value to its business case. 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 EDGE radio network and 3G solution offers the best choice for Pannon GSM to provide high speed data services in Budapest region. Our customers will experience this as a seamless base upon which 3G services can be introduced," says Ove Fredheim, CEO, Pannon GSM. "In 2004, Pannon doubled its customer portfolio in the business segment, and we see that applications based on EDGE and 3G technology are ideal for this important customer group. We have just launched broadband services for their needs this February and many services will follow later on this year for the whole consumer segment."
"We are sincerely pleased to continue our relationship with Pannon GSM, with the delivery of EDGE to its GSM network, and in this way contribute to Pannon GSM's continued success in Hungary," says Finn Erik Hermansen, General Manager Hungary, Networks, Nokia. "EDGE is a complementary technology to WCDMA 3G, and it will enable Pannon GSM to provide its customers with high speed mobile data in the greater Budapest area, including the surrounding rural areas."
Pannon GSM made Europe's first live public EDGE call with the support of Nokia in May 2003. Nokia has been Pannon's supplier of GSM network equipment since 1993.
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 over 20 operators globally, in addition to providing full turnkey implementations for a total of 27 customers in 22 countries. Nokia NetAct(TM) has been delivered to over 300 customers worldwide.
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.com
Pannon GSM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Norway's Telenor ASA, held a share of approximately 34% in the Hungarian mobile telecom market having a penetration ratio of over 87% at the end of 2004. Since 1994, Pannon has been offering a wide range of services to consumers and companies alike. Its portfolio includes voice and data (including high-speed circuit-switched data, or HSCSD) services based on GSM (900 and 1800 MHz), GPRS and recently EDGE technologies. In December 2004 Pannon GSM was granted a 3G license and launched the first phase of its 3G (UMTS) network development project in January 2005. At the same time the company introduced groundbreaking content services, including streaming versions of Hungary's most popular television shows. The company's successful Mobile Office product line offers integrated, all-inclusive telecommunications solutions for businesses. In January 2005 the company has effective GSM roaming contracts with 290 mobile operators of 119 countries. It is a founding member of the Startmap Mobile Alliance established on 30 September 2003. Targeting young consumers, the company introduced its international djuice brand in November 2003, which attracted 300,000 subscribers in its first year. Pannon GSM had nearly 3 million customers in late February 2005.
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Nokia
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Pannon GSM Távközlési Rt.
Corporate Communication Department
Dóra Somlyai, Director
Tel. +36 20 930 3999