UK mobile network operations to be outsourced by Orange

Nokia Siemens network is now operating the mobile network for Mobile telecoms company, Orange following its recent outsourcing.

For the next five years Nokia Siemens Networks will plan, expand, manage, provide maintenance for and optimize the 2G/3G mobile network for Orange under this new contract. As well as driving the efficiency in operation the deal also aims to deliver quality of service improvements and enhancements in the coverage for the 15.9 million UK customers of Orange.

Arrangements for the provision of first line maintenance services from a UK based sub-contractor are also being finalized by Nokia Siemens Networks. Around 470 staff will be transferred from Orange UK along with about 230 joining Nokia Siemens Networks and the remaining staff will be transferred to the first line maintenance sub-contractor as part of the outsourcing of the network operation.

The VP of IT & Networks for Orange, Pete Marsden said “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. Nokia Siemens Networks will provide our transferring employees with strong career paths within global organizations recognised as telecommunications industry leaders.”

Nokia Siemens networks will be taking over the responsibility of network operations so that the quality of service that Orange requires can be delivered. The full range of network operations for 2G/3G including optimization and network planning, provision of turnkey network rollout services and spare parts management were included in these responsibilities. The strategic planning and ownership of the network will continue to be Orange’s.

The head of Services at Nokia Siemens Networks, Rajeev Suri said “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. 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.”