Nokia Siemens Networks joined forces with Cable & Wireless to design a core network solution that will provide full redundancy across all the Caribbean regions that the operator serves; allowing for continued service during critical situations like hurricanes. The core network architecture Nokia Siemens Networks is delivering is compliant with both the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).

“By the time the implementation of this deal is complete, the C&W network in the Caribbean will be future proof, resilient and capable of offering the future services and quality that our customers require and deserve,” said Walid Bounassif, director of engineering and technology services for Cable & Wireless International.  Today’s announcement follows the launch of a new, $2.5 million Caribbean Network Operations Center (NOC) facility – built to monitor and manage Next-Generation Networks -- last month.  At the NOC launch, Cable & Wireless International’s Chief Executive Officer, Harris Jones, outlined the company’s strategy for moving to Next Generation Network technology “in order to live up to the promises we make to our customers.”

Nokia Siemens Networks is supplying full Release 4 Core network solutions including the Nokia Siemens Networks Media Gateways (MGW), Mobile Softswitches (MSS), Intelligent Packet Core and Operation Support Systems (OSS). Services are a significant part of the contract, covering end-to-end network implementation, installation and integration of systems into the existing multi-vendor network, and a range of Care services such as software support and hardware repair services.

“Nokia Siemens Networks’ deployment with Cable & Wireless is a fantastic example of our ability to provide a true end-to-end network solution from radio and core networks to services,” said Sue Spradley, Head of North America, Nokia Siemens Networks. “Cable & Wireless and their customers will benefit from these solutions that enable a steady evolution to future technologies.”

In June 2006, Cable & Wireless announced it selected Nokia Siemens Networks (then Nokia) to deploy a GSM network in the British Virgin Islands. Additionally, Nokia Siemens Networks has deployed GSM and WCDMA 3G radio and core networks to Cable & Wireless in the Channel Island of Jersey.