Finnish mobile giant Nokia has been named Vodafone’s network infrastructure partner in Australia and New Zealand. Vodafone is the World’s largest mobile telecoms company.
The telecom provider’s entry into the 3G market has been eagerly anticipated because it promises to stimulate the sector. Until now subscribers have only had one choice of 3G service, Hutchison’s “3”, and take-up has been sluggish.
In addition to the provision of infrastructure, Nokia is expected to have a key role in network planning, optimisation and operations. According to Vodafone, the partnership with Nokia is new for Australia and builds on the existing relationship in New Zealand where the former is also out to tender for site acquisition and construction partners.
“Vodafone is delighted to utilise Nokia’s international expertise, technical skills and local presence as we further evolve mobile services,” says Thomas Geitner, the company’s CTO. “[This will allow us to] offer higher quality content and entertainment and increase business productivity through wireless broadband access.”