Leading Dutch operator T-Mobile Netherlands has signed a four-year strategic-partnership contract with Ericsson. The agreement, which follows T-Mobile's acquisition of Orange in the Netherlands, will result in the continuation and expansion of existing contracts, cementing Ericsson's position in the Dutch market.

Under the contract, Ericsson will continue to manage end-to-end network operations for the former Orange network. Ericsson will also take on responsibility for streamlining T-Mobile Netherlands' overall network infrastructure by dismantling the former Orange mobile networks.

Ericsson will step up the expansion of T-Mobile Netherlands' WCDMA network, including the building and acquisition of more than 900 new sites by 2010. Ericsson will also deliver more than 2000 Mini-Link microwave transmission units to help boost capacity and to enable the efficient handling of packet data in T-Mobile's transmission network.

T-Mobile Netherlands had a turnover of EUR 1.318 bln in 2007. Since October 1, 2007, the mobile and internet activities of Orange Netherlands have been part of T-Mobile Netherlands. Together, Orange and T-Mobile serve 5.2 mln customers.

Source:financialmirror