Nokia (NOK) has won a GSM core network contract with Hunan Mobile to supply its MSC Server mobile softswitch for four cities in Hunan Province.

Nokia will also provide a full range of services including network integration, commissioning and training. The system has been deployed and is already operational.

"Thanks to Nokia's advanced GSM network and mobile softswitch system as well as excellent service support, we are able to bring higher capacity to the network, better utilize network resources, reduce costs and bring state-of-the-art services to our customers," says Zhang Baowei, General Manager in charge of networks at Hunan MCC.

Nokia is a leading GSM network supplier in the Chinese market, with over 20 provincial customers. With close to 100 customers for its mobile softswitching, Nokia has delivered the majority of the world's commercial 3GPP-compliant mobile softswitching, and to date has installed 20 million lines in the China area.

"Nokia is delighted to expand its cooperation with mobile operator customers like Hunan MCC in China," says James Lin, Vice President, Networks, China. "With our global experience and strong end-to-end localization commitment, Nokia helps operator customers fully explore the potential of GSM networks, generate more revenues, and prepare for network evolution in the future."