Orange to outsource mobile network operations in the UK

Nokia Siemens Networks to drive efficiency for national network

Orange is outsourcing its mobile network operations in the UK to Nokia Siemens Networks. Under the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will manage, plan, expand, optimize and provide maintenance services for the Orange UK 2G/3G mobile network for the next five years. The deal aims to deliver improved quality of service and enhanced coverage for Orange UK’s 15.9 million mobile subscribers, while driving operational efficiency.

Nokia Siemens Networks is also finalizing arrangements for a UK sub-contractor to provide first line maintenance services. As part of the mobile network operations outsourcing, close to 470 staff are planned to transfer from Orange UK with approximately 230 joining Nokia Siemens Networks and the remainder being transferred to a first line maintenance sub-contractor.

“Nokia Siemens Networks has a proven global expertise in managing large, multi-technology networks, and our partnership with the company is a win-win for all involved – Orange UK, our customers and our employees,” said Pete Marsden, VP of IT & Networks for Orange, UK. “Nokia Siemens Networks will provide our transferring employees with strong career paths within global organizations recognised as telecommunications industry leaders.”

In order to deliver the quality of service needed by Orange, Nokia Siemens Networks will take over responsibility for network operations. This includes the full range of 2G/3G network operations including network planning and optimization, spare parts management and providing turnkey network rollout services. Orange will continue to own and strategically plan its network.

“This contract strengthens the close co-operation between Orange UK and Nokia Siemens Networks, building upon our long term partnership with France Telecom. It reiterates the value that Managed Services brings our customers – helping them run their business more effectively and efficiently and allowing them to focus on their end-users,” said Rajeev Suri, Head of Services, at Nokia Siemens Networks. “More specifically, it strengthens our leadership in the Managed Services domain, allowing us to provide our employees with opportunities across our growing customer base and portfolio.”

Nokia Siemens Networks is a market leader with more than 200 Managed Services contracts in mobile and fixed networks globally, connecting more than 190 million subscribers on customer networks. Nokia Siemens Networks holds the number 1 or 2 position in managed services in most major markets: Latin America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, the North East and West-South-Europe region.

About Orange

Orange is a key brand of the France Telecom Group, providing mobile, broadband, fixed, business and entertainment services across Europe. It is one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators with more than 170 million customers on five continents. In June, 2006, Orange became the single brand for mobile, broadband and multi-play offers. In addition, Orange Business Services became the new banner for business communications solutions. Orange Business Services is present in 166 countries with network reach in 220. In the UK, Orange provides high quality GSM coverage to 99% of the UK population. At the end of December 2008, Orange had about 17 million customers in the UK – 15.9 million active mobile customers and over one million fixed broadband customers. Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trade marks of Orange Personal Communications Services Limited.

Further information about Orange can be found on the Orange website at www.orange.co.uk or the France Telecom group international website at www.orange.com and www.francetelecom.com

About Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of telecommunications services. With its focus on innovation and sustainability, the company provides a complete portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, as well as professional services including consultancy and systems integration, deployment, maintenance and managed services. It is one of the largest telecommunications hardware, software and professional services companies in the world. Operating in 150 countries, its headquarters are in Espoo, Finland.
www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com

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