network planning and implementation services deal. The agreement further cements Nokia Siemens Networks’ position as the leading network supplier for the radio and core networks of Henan MCC.

Under the contract of close to RMB 2 billion (EUR 180 million), Nokia Siemens Networks will extend its cooperation with Henan MCC and become the sole supplier of EDGE for Henan MCC in addition to already being a leading supplier of its GSM networks. The company will provide Henan MCC with its GSM and EDGE core and radio networks equipment, mobile soft switching solution including MSC (Mobile Switching Center) Servers, MGW (Media Gateway) and HLR (Home Location Register), as well as system integration, network planning, rollout and support services for Henan MCC’s GSM and EDGE network.

“We’re pleased to be continuing our long-standing partnership with Nokia Siemens Networks,” said Henan MCC general manager Yuan Jianguo. “The stability, reliability and cost-effectiveness of Nokia Siemens Networks’ network systems will allow us to provide our more than 27 million customers with exciting mobile experiences in the province, whether it is in GSM voice communications or EDGE for high speed and data connectivity.” Henan MCC will provide EDGE commercial services for its customers from September.

“Nokia Siemens Networks is very proud to continue its strategic cooperation with Henan MCC,” said Zhang Zhiqiang, head of Nokia Siemens Networks’ Greater China region. “The GSM expansion and the move to EDGE will help operators build state-of-art networks and generate new revenues while preparing the network for future evolution.”