SFR deploys Nokia MSC Server mobile softswitch in France

Nokia reaches 100th customer milestone for its industry leading mobile softswitch solution

September 14, 2006 - Espoo, Finland - Nokia and SFR have signed a contract for the turnkey supply of the Nokia MSC Server (MSS) mobile softswitch to enhance the French operator’s network coverage and capacity. The network modernization deal upgrades SFR’s current circuit switched core network with a Nokia solution that fully enables fixed mobile convergence and the rapid growth of 3G-traffic.

The Nokia MSC Server System, including the Nokia Multimedia Gateway, will enable SFR to manage the demands of its growing traffic while reducing its operational expenditure (OPEX). Nokia has now deployed its MSS to over 100 mobile operators worldwide, a strong sign of the success of the mobile softswitch solution initially specified by 3GPP Release 4. Since mid 2005 the MSC Server has accounted for over 75% of Nokia’s switching deliveries.

The turnkey nature of the deal with SFR means that Nokia will manage all activities related to network roll-out from adaptation works on site to integration, re-hosting the radio equipment and operating the network. Also included is the multitechnology Nokia NetAct(TM) network and service management solution.

“Nokia’s impressive track record and the proof of its ability to deliver extended services, as well as the long-standing, successful relationship between SFR and Nokia made it easy for us to choose Nokia for this ambitious network modernization project,” says Paul Corbel, Chief Technical Officer, SFR. “The change of our existing MSCs to Nokia’s integrated 2G/3G MSC Server mobile softswitch will enable SFR to now offer a whole suite of innovative services to our customers in the most cost efficient manner and enable convergence.”

“We are very happy to be continuing our long-term collaboration with SFR setting the stage for even stronger cooperation in the future,” says Roberto Loiola, Vice President, Networks, Nokia. “And we’re doubly pleased to be providing SFR the industry’s leading mobile softswitch, bringing significant cost savings and a clear evolution next generation networks.”

Nokia is creating seamless user experiences in converging networks thanks to mobile softswitching and IMS for fixed and mobile. With over 100 customers for its mobile softswitching and over 50 live networks, Nokia is clearly the most experienced mobile softswitching supplier worldwide.

Nokia is also the front-runner in IMS for fixed and mobile networks, with over 120 references. Nokia’s IMS for fixed and mobile has been in commercial use since 2005. With 20 convergence trials, enabling personalized VoIP and multimedia, Nokia is paving the way for the renewal of fixed networks and the usage of access technologies like WLAN.

About SFR
With 17.4 million customers and 8,000 employees, SFR is the second largest mobile telecommunications operator in France and has been the market leader in terms of net sales (new customers) since 2003. Operating its own GSM/GPRS and UMTS/HSDPA networks, SFR is able to provide a complete range of mobile telephony and multimedia services, as well as mobile data solutions to its personal, SOHO and business customers. SFR has become the operator of choice for new uses of mobile phones, having been the first operator to launch 3G and 3G+ services on the French market, and now boasts more than 1.5 million exclusively 3G customers. The company is also a player on the fixed telecommunications market through its 40.8 % interest in neuf cegetel, the leading alternative operator on the French market. SFR benefits from a stable ownership structure, with two major shareholders, Vivendi (56%) and Vodafone (44%).

About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.

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