T-Mobile and Alcatel enter framework agreement

T-Mobile International has signed a framework agreement with French technology provider Alcatel to carry out modernisation projects on its GSM wireless network in Germany and ensure harmonisation of the group’s networks across Europe. The new deal builds upon a long-standing relationship between the pair and standardises the purchasing terms for all their European joint projects. It also sets out project-specific guidelines with regard to T-Mobile’s service quality. Starting this year, Alcatel will provide the cellco with up to 1,000 new GSM base stations to replace older equipment in Germany. The new base stations are being built using the French firm’s Evolium multi-standard solution. As part of a wider programme aiming to improve and maintain quality of service, in January 2005 T-Mobile contracted Swedish supplier Ericsson to install 10,000 GSM/GPRS base stations over a three-year period.