I make no bones about how closely I watch Siemens and some of the things they're doing. I see them as a real thought leader in their market segment. Here's some news of a new relationship.

Nokia Siemens Networks to host full core network in groundbreaking deal with Blyk

Espoo, Finland – April 4, 2007 The agreement marks Nokia Siemens Networks’ first full core network hosting contract, and gives Blyk full flexibility in its core network operations to deliver innovative new advertising-funded mobile services.

Blyk, the pan-European free mobile network for young people, funded by advertising, has chosen Nokia Siemens Networks to supply, build and host its core network as it embarks on a new approach to offering mobile telephony service. In its first-ever full mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) hosting arrangement, Nokia Siemens Networks will be hosting the entire operation of Blyk’s core network, allowing Blyk to rely on Nokia Siemens Networks’ strong technology and operations experience, while avoiding infrastructure investments of its own. The contract was initially signed by Nokia.

The Blyk service is based on an advertising-supported model. Blyk provides free calls and text messaging to 16-24 year-old subscribers funded by mobile advertisements delivered directly to their phones. Blyk will initially offer its mobile services in the United Kingdom, before expanding to other European countries. The service is scheduled for commercial launch in mid 2007.

“Blyk is bringing something completely different to the world of mobile communications, something that hasn’t been done before,” says Kai Friman, Head of Member Operations, Blyk. “That’s why getting it right is absolutely crucial. We have full confidence in Nokia Siemens Networks’ ability to provide a fully hosted solution for Blyk and its unique way of doing business.”

“As our first hosting deal with a full core network scope, this is an extremely exciting step for Nokia Siemens Networks,” says Olli Oittinen, Head of Solutions Sales Management, Nokia Siemens Networks. “Not only does it showcase the truly pioneering spirit of companies such as Blyk, but it also reinforces our own focus on the MVNO market and the opportunities of hosting in general. We are fully committed to providing a comprehensive range of hosting solutions and see hosting as a very attractive option for MVNOs and other operators, as demonstrated by this groundbreaking deal with Blyk.”

Under the hosting arrangement with Nokia Siemens Networks, the company provides the entire core network to Blyk, including mobile softswitching. Hosting is one of the many tools that help operators to grow their business in the face of ever-toughening competition and growing technological complexity. Hosting sits alongside Managed Services to form one of the main pillars of Nokia Siemens Networks' growing Services business unit. Nokia Siemens Networks is a major player in the Managed Services and Hosting business with more than 160 contracts globally.

About Blyk
Blyk is a pan-European free mobile operator for young people, funded by advertising. For advertisers, Blyk is an innovative mobile media channel offering direct engagement with a young audience with real time feedback. Blyk was co-founded in 2006 by Pekka Ala-Pietilä and Antti Öhrling and has offices in Helsinki, Finland and London, UK. Blyk is launching first in the UK market in mid-2007, with other markets to follow.

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. The combined pro-forma revenues of €17.1 billion Euro in fiscal year 2006 make Nokia Siemens Networks one of the largest telecommunications infrastructure companies. Nokia Siemens Networks has operations in some 150 countries and is headquartered in Espoo, Finland. It combines Nokia’s Networks Business Group and the carrier related businesses of Siemens Communications. www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com