LONDON—European carrier MmO2 signed separate contracts with Nokia Corp. and Nortel Networks to equip its 2.5- and third-generation networks in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man, Germany and Ireland.
Each vendor said it will supply 30 percent of the operator’s UMTS radio-access network equipment and compete for 40 percent. Nokia said it will remain the major GSM network supplier to the company.
This announcement seems to put paid to speculations that the carrier planned to cancel its contracts with Nortel.
“This is an endorsement of Nortel Networks’ close relationship with MmO2 and an acknowledgement of our 3G capability and leadership position in the supply and implementation of wireless networks,” said Pascal Debon, president, wireless networks, at Nortel.
MmO2 plans to spend $11.5 billion during the next five years on equipment.
