GREAT FALLS, Mont.—Nokia Corp. announced it won a contract with MTPCS L.L.C., otherwise known as Chinook Wireless, to build a GSM/GPRS/EDGE network throughout Montana.
Though financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, Nokia said the 5-year deal includes equipment, network-planning services, deployment services and Nokia Care services. Chinook Wireless said it plans to deploy a network based on 3GPP Release 4 architecture using Nokia’s mobile softswitch solution MSC Server System.
“Chinook Wireless is committed to delivering the highest quality wireless voice and data services in the state of Montana,” said Jonathan Foxman, president and chief executive officer of Chinook Wireless.
The companies said the GSM/GPRS/EDGE network would replace Chinook Wireless’ CDMA network, and offer subscribers increased coverage, higher voice quality and advanced digital data services like multimedia messaging and Internet browsing.
Chinook Wireless formed in May 2005 to purchase the CDMA wireless operations of Montana-based Blackfoot Communications Inc. and 3 Rivers Telecommunications Inc. At the time, the carrier said its wireless operations would include networks in Butte, Bozeman, Billings, Helena, Great Falls, Kalispell and Missoula, Mont.
