IT Cost Reduction

Strengthening its foothold in the Asian market, Nokia (News - Alert) has won a network modernization contract with Philippine fixed network operator Eastern Telecom.

Nokia and Eastern Telecom have signed a contract for the deployment of a Next Generation Network (NGN) core as part of their network modernization initiative. Nokia will renew Eastern Telecom’s fixed network with a VoIP-capable NGN and fixed/broadband access system. The contract includes the Nokia MSC Server System (MSS), the industry leading mobile softswitch, along with the Nokia VoIP Server, enabling personalized voice telephony. Nokia’s convergent solution enables significant cost-savings for fixed and mobile and provides the capability to deliver new service offerings. The deal marks a new customer for Nokia.

Under the agreement, Nokia will supply Eastern Telecom with both ADSL2+ and PSTN lines using the D500 access node as well as Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) capabilities using the Nokia High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) technology. In addition to the Nokia MSS and the Nokia VoIP Server, Nokia will supply other solutions from its Unified Core Network offering, including the Nokia Flexi Intelligent Service Node (ISN) that will enable Eastern Telecom to offer and manage a wide range of advanced IP-based multimedia services in a cost-efficient way and inline with end-users’ expectations. The Nokia D500, a multi-service access platform, will provide the necessary key features to enable the optimal delivery of high speed Internet access over the existing copper lines. Nokia will also provide telecoms implementation, commissioning and integration services. The deliveries have already started.

According to Eric Recto, president and CEO of Eastern Telecom: “Our cooperation with Nokia helps us renew our operations and enhance our capability to provide new services for our growing customer base. Nokia’s mobile softswitch and VoIP Server will make it possible for us to offer new, innovative services to our customers in the most cost-efficient manner while enabling true service convergence.”

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Cindy Waxer is a Toronto-based freelance journalist specializing in business and technology. She has written for publications including TIME, Fortune Small Business, Business 2.0, Computerworld, Canadian Business, and Workforce Management. To see more of her articles, please visit Cindy Waxer’s columnist page.