T-Mobile Germany trials converged network to reduce costs

February 15, 2005

T-Mobile Germany has completed a trial of wireless packet networking solutions from Nortel designed to deliver new, 3G voice and high-speed data and to reduce costs by converging multiple networks into one.

The trial included a demonstration of MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)-based IP (Internet Protocol) VPN (Virtual Private Network) functionality over a single, converged core network using T-Mobile's installed base of Nortel Multiservice Switches.

"The flexibility of Nortel's MSS portfolio to support multiple services across a single platform makes it possible for T-Mobile to seamlessly transform our multiple networks into a single, converged MPLS packet core network," said Joachim Horn, director of technology and a member of the board of directors at T-Mobile Germany. "By transitioning to a converged network supporting all of the current T-Mobile services, we will be able to reduce our operating costs in addition to generating new revenue through an expanded service set."

"We continue to build on our commitments to deliver cost effective solutions to our customers," said Ralf Jaeger, vice president, Carrier Data Networks, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa), Nortel. "Nortel has a rich history of providing solutions that can evolve to meet T-Mobile's growing networking needs without sacrificing quality of service or compromising customer loyalty."

T-Mobile currently operates an extensive Nortel Multiservice Switch-based packet network, providing a highly reliable and secure infrastructure supporting a variety of wireless services including WLAN, GPRS and UMTS.

Nortel's MSS portfolio provides tremendous flexibility and cost efficiency by enabling multiple networking services like MPLS, IP, Frame Relay and ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) to operate in parallel on the same network and platform.

An MPLS upgrade to its current infrastructure would help T-Mobile drive a strong return on investment for its current installed base, and pave the way for future evolution as both its networks and services continue to evolve and converge. By migrating to a common converged MPLS core, T-Mobile can minimize equipment and operational costs while providing a robust foundation for new and emerging IP-centric wireless services.