3 Italia Signs 7-Year Network Transformation Deal with Ericsson

Ericsson won an exclusive contract with 3 Italia that includes a seven-year agreement to modernize and upgrade the existing WCDMA/HSPA network. Ericsson will modernize and upgrade the existing 3G mobile broadband access and core networks, optical and radio transport, data charging, and consumer-services platforms and systems.


The deal also extends the exclusive managed services contract signed in 2005 for the total management of 3 Italia's multi-vendor 3G network and telecom IS&IT infrastructure. The prolonged contract runs for five years. It has a reduced financial value compared to the previous contract, as a result of the returning of some third party contracts and the implementation of the new service delivery model, enabling scale and skill synergies in the operations. Also, the optimized network is more efficient and requires less service activities. Transition and transformation costs will put pressure on margins initially but over the total contract period the profitability is satisfactory.
http://www.ericsson.com

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TIA Outlines Roadmap for National Broadband Plan

In comments filed with the FCC, the Telecommunications Industry (TIA) outlined six key principles that it believes should govern any national broadband plan in the United States. Specifically, it believes that the Commission should work to:

• enhance efforts to stimulate investment and innovation in next-generation broadband;



• pursue forward-looking spectrum management and the allocation of additional spectrum;



• strive to provide communications to all Americans, including low-income Americans and those in rural areas, and persons with disabilities;



• support open and fair market access for U.S. companies by promoting full, fair and open trade and competition in international markets;



• foster investment by increasing federal funding, and employing tax credits, expensing provisions, and similar tools; and



• promote the development of a broadband interoperable public safety network capable of protecting all communities in the event of further domestic disasters.

TIA also included a "Roadmap" with a timeline setting targeted goals over the next three years for use as guideposts in moving forward with the National Broadband Plan.

The 49-page FCC filing is posted on the TIA website.
http://www.tiaonline.org

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Russia's MTS Signs Retail Deal with Nokia

Mobile TeleSystems, one of the leading mobile operators in Russia and the CIS, had signed a memorandum of understanding with Nokia for the direct delivery of Nokia devices to MTS' retail network. The first joint project of the two companies will be the priority sales launch of Nokia N97, Nokia's flagship mobile computer, equipped with exclusive software from MTS.


"This partnership agreement with Nokia is a milestone in our development of the MTS proprietary retail network. Teaming up with the world's leading maker of mobile devices will allow us to further differentiate MTS' retail network by matching cutting-edge products with tariff plans to enhance customer experience and spur the growth of data usage by our subscribers," noted Mr. Mikhail Shamolin, President and CEO of MTS.


The sales of Nokia N97 will start on June 17 in all MTS stores in Moscow and in the flagship Nokia store. By the end of the month, the device will become available to subscribers of all mobile operators through the MTS retail network in Russia and the 30 Nokia stores in the largest Russian cities.
http://www.mtsgsm.com
http://www.nokia.com

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NTT Com Offers Free WLAN for Eye-Fi Cards

NTT Communications has begun offering free upload connectivity via its HOTSPOT public wireless local area network (WLAN) in Japan to anyone, including non-subscribers to HOTSPOT, to all Eye-Fi users.

The service allows users to upload photos and videos from cameras, camcorders and other portable devices that are equipped with either the Eye-Fi Share or Eye-Fi Share Video, which are standard-sized SD memory cards with built-in Wi-Fi capability and marketed by Eye-Fi Japan K. K. in Japan. Users are expected to upload content for online sharing or storage. HOTSPOT connect is accessible in some parts of standard service areas of HOTSPOT nationwide, including all Toei subway stations in the Tokyo area.
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In the future, HOTSPOT connect will support additional Internet services and websites, providing users with convenient wireless connection to the Internet away from the home or office.
http://www.ntt.co.jp

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