Two leading communications firms are working together to expand the reach of
high-speed Internet access by providing Europeans with digital subscriber
line technology (DSL) in a deal worth $60 million.
Nokia (NOK)
and First Telecom plc Tuesday signed a contract to deliver equipment to
provide high-speed broadband access services using DSL technology.
Under the deal, Nokia’s broadband solution will be available to First
Telecom customers. The service includes broadband access, network design,
business modeling, system integration and roll-out services. In addition,
the deal includes additional services including software maintenance,
emergency support, operations support and maintenance, the firms said.
“Broadband networks and services are a key step in the Internet revolution
and this pan-European deal underlines Nokia’s strength as a world leader in
Fast Internet Access solutions,” said Pekka Vartiainen, senior vice
president, Europe and Africa, Nokia Networks.
With DSL access to the Internet, customers can benefit from streaming media,
secure remote work and fast Internet access at connection speeds that
typically range from 1.5 Mbps to 6/8Mbps.
The service is expected to begin in Germany during the summer, with plans to
roll out services in France, the U.K. and other European countries in the
coming months.