News on Nokia Siemens and a pretty significant deal with Cable & Wireless in the Caribbean.

Cable & Wireless International Selects Nokia Siemens Networks for $40 Million Deal to Deliver Next Generation Services to the Caribbean region

Nokia Siemens Networks named preferred supplier of Release 4 and Intelligent Packet Core networks architecture

Cable & Wireless and Nokia Siemens Networks are extending their global frame agreement to include the deployment of Nokia Siemens Networks’ Release 4 and Intelligent Packet Core networks architecture, a single platform that will be able to support second- and third-generation wireless networks. This architecture enables Cable & Wireless to modernize its networks and continue to introduce advanced wireless services cost effectively.

Nokia Siemens Networks joined forces with Cable & Wireless to design a core network solution that will provide full redundancy across all the Caribbean regions that the operator serves; allowing for continued service during critical situations like hurricanes. The core network architecture Nokia Siemens Networks is delivering is compliant with both the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).

“By the time the implementation of this deal is complete, the C&W network in the Caribbean will be future proof, resilient and capable of offering the future services and quality that our customers require and deserve,” said Walid Bounassif, director of engineering and technology services for Cable & Wireless International. Today’s announcement follows the launch of a new, $2.5 million Caribbean Network Operations Center (NOC) facility – built to monitor and manage Next-Generation Networks -- last month. At the NOC launch, Cable & Wireless International’s Chief Executive Officer, Harris Jones, outlined the company’s strategy for moving to Next Generation Network technology “in order to live up to the promises we make to our customers.”

Nokia Siemens Networks is supplying full Release 4 Core network solutions including the Nokia Siemens Networks Media Gateways (MGW), Mobile Softswitches (MSS), Intelligent Packet Core and Operation Support Systems (OSS). Services are a significant part of the contract, covering end-to-end network implementation, installation and integration of systems into the existing multi-vendor network, and a range of Care services such as software support and hardware repair services.

“Nokia Siemens Networks’ deployment with Cable & Wireless is a fantastic example of our ability to provide a true end-to-end network solution from radio and core networks to services,” said Sue Spradley, Head of North America, Nokia Siemens Networks. “Cable & Wireless and their customers will benefit from these solutions that enable a steady evolution to future technologies.”

In June 2006, Cable & Wireless announced it selected Nokia Siemens Networks (then Nokia) to deploy a GSM network in the British Virgin Islands. Additionally, Nokia Siemens Networks has deployed GSM and WCDMA 3G radio and core networks to Cable & Wireless in the Channel Island of Jersey.

About Cable & Wireless
Cable & Wireless is one of the world’s leading international communications companies. It operates through two standalone business units - Europe, Asia & US and International.

The Europe, Asia & US business unit (formerly known as the "UK" business) provides enterprise and carrier solutions to the largest users of telecoms services across the UK, US, continental Europe and Asia, and wholesale broadband services in the UK. With experience of delivering connectivity to 153 countries - and an intention to be the first customer-defined communications services business - the focus is on delivering customers a service experience that is second to none.

The International business unit operates integrated telecommunications companies in 33 countries offering mobile, broadband, domestic and international fixed line services to residential and business customers, with principal operations in the Caribbean, Panama, Macau, Monaco and the Channel Islands.

For more information about Cable & Wireless, go to http://www.cw.com

About Nokia Siemens Networks
Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of communications services. The company provides a complete, well-balanced product portfolio of mobile and fixed network infrastructure solutions and addresses the growing demand for services with 20,000 service professionals worldwide. Nokia Siemens Networks is one of the largest telecommunications infrastructure companies with operations in 150 countries. The company is headquartered in Espoo, Finland.
www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com