Europe
: Nokia has won a managed services and 3G/HSPA network deal with mobily,
a brand of Etihad Etisalat Company (EEC), in Saudi Arabia. The contract
marks a new customer for Nokia in an important growth market, and
highlights Nokia's leadership in supplying and managing superior networks
infrastructure.
Under the agreement, Nokia will provide as a managed service (build-operate-transfer)
network optimization, operation and maintenance, care and hardware
services and training. In addition, Nokia will provide installation,
commissioning, integration, project management, network planning.
The network will be supported by the multi-vendor proven Nokia NetAct(TM)
network and service management system.
Nokia will supply its 3G radio and core network technology, including
the Nokia High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) solution, and Nokia UltraSite
base station subsystem to help keep the cost of ownership and operation
of the network to a minimum, allowing services to be priced competitively.
Nokia will also deliver its MSC Server mobile softswitch and IP Multimedia
Subsystem (IMS) for fixed and mobile solution from its Unified Core
Networks portfolio to provide mobily with a high capacity and cost-effective
means to provide voice and IP-based services. The deliveries have
already started and the network should be operational in July.
"We are excited to extend our mobile service offering to fast
and high-quality 3G and HSDPA services. Our customers will be able
to enjoy fast music downloads and mobile Internet access," says
Eng. Abdul aziz Al-Tamami, Chief Operating Officer, mobily. "We
chose Nokia - among other vendors - to supply and manage their cutting
edge 3G/HSDPA network because we are confident that Nokia's solutions
will help us to respond to customer requirements in the increasingly
competitive Saudi market. We are extremely pleased with Nokia's fast
network roll-out and comprehensive services support."
"Nokia is strongly committed to the Middle East and Africa markets
and it is our pleasure to extend that commitment to our cooperation
with mobily in Saudi Arabia," said Walid Moneimne, Senior Vice
President, Central Europe, Middle East and Africa region, Networks,
Nokia. "Nokia's solutions and services will let mobily develop
its service offering to meet the growing demand for access to information,
services and entertainment easier and faster than before, on the go."
Nokia is a leader in bringing mobility to New Growth Markets. Nokia
estimates the number of mobile subscribers to grow to three billion
in 2008, and around 80 percent of this growth will come from fast-growing
markets such as Saudi Arabia. Nokia expects that Middle-East and Africa
will account for 20 percent of the next billion subscribers.
Nokia's Managed Services business is a key part of its Services business
unit, and a core part of the company's drive to help operators enhance
their service offerings and reduce costs. To date Nokia has 40 managed
services contracts in 31 countries, and it expects this figure to
grow in the coming years.
In WCDMA 3G, Nokia has 59 customers to date. Nokia's high-performing
HSDPA is a simple software upgrade to Nokia WCDMA networks, thus enabling
cost-effective and fast rollout. In the first phase, Nokia HSDPA offers
up to four times faster data services than current 3G, and consequently
enhanced quality of service experience. Nokia is a leader in the HSDPA
market, with over 20 contracts globally, many of which are in commercial
use. Several network operators have already opened their HSDPA networks
with the Nokia HSDPA.
Nokia is creating seamless user experiences in converging networks
thanks to mobile softswitching and IMS for fixed and mobile. With
close to 100 customers for its mobile softswitching, Nokia has delivered
the majority of the world's commercial 3GPP-compliant mobile softswitching.
Nokia is also the front-runner in IMS for fixed and mobile networks,
with over 85 references for IMS solutions, such as Push to talk over
Cellular, while paving the way for network renewal with IMS-based
voice and applications in fixed networks.
About Mobily (Etihad Etisalat)
Mobily is the official brand name of Etihad Etisalat, the new mobile
service provider in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in accordance
with a 2004 royal decree, the ownership of the company is two-fold:
A Saudi ownership, comprising public investors holding 20% of the
company's shareholding, while private investors own a 45% stake. The
balance of 35% is owned by the Etisalat of UAE.
