Telefonica Moviles has chosen Ericsson as its main supplier for its initial rollout of UMTS networks in Spain and Germany. Telefonica Moviles’ UMTS rollout in Spain will be one of the largest in the world, with Ericsson building 700 base stations. The global contract will last for three years and is estimated to be worth $350 million.
Initial deployment and commissioning of the Spanish UMTS network is due by June 1, 2002, and Ericsson will be the sole network supplier. The commercial launch of UMTS services will depend on the volume availability of terminals, not to mention the availability of handsets and other factors.
Ericsson will also be the main supplier on the German network. The company is to acquire, install and commission a turnkey project. The German network, trading under the name Quam, is 57.2% owned by Telefonica Moviles while Sonera owns the remainder.
