Cingular and Nokia Extend Strategic Relationship
Cingular Wireless LLC and Nokia have announced several commercial agreements covering a comprehensive portfolio of Nokia network equipment, software and services that defines and sustains the companies' business framework in the coming years. Nokia also announced its commitment to deliver UMTS handsets to Cingular in 2005.
Cingular's GSM and EDGE networks will be instrumental for the success of Cingular's third generation (3G) network. To ensure the smooth integration of networks, Cingular has awarded Nokia a two-year contract extension for GSM/EDGE network equipment, software and services. Under the extension, Nokia will provide Cingular with next-generation GSM/EDGE radio and core, packet core, 3GPP Release 4 switching architecture equipment, and High Capacity High Coverage (HCHC) base stations designed specifically for Cingular, which deliver higher integration in the same footprint.
As a strategic handset provider to Cingular, Nokia has committed to deliver UMTS handsets for commercial deployment by Cingular in the fourth quarter of 2005. Nokia is one of very few wireless equipment vendors that can offer Cingular true end-to-end solutions, from network equipment, to mobile devices to mobile software and applications. Nokia anticipates positive momentum in the North American mobile device market going in to 2005, and looks forward to providing Cingular with GSM/EDGE and UMTS devices.
Nokia has worked with Cingular since the carrier's inception, beginning with providing terminal devices. In 2001, the relationship expanded to include network equipment. Nokia now supplies a significant share of Cingular's GSM/EDGE, multimedia messaging, packet and circuit switch core networks.
Source: press release
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