Nokia Siemens Networks has won a managed services deal to support the launch of Nokia's luxury Vertu brand in Japan as an MVNO. In a statement, the network infrastructure vendor said the deal will allow Vertu to introduce services 'without investing in its own software, equipment, people and skills.' NSN will host the MVNO service from its Singapore hosting centre, while Vertu focuses on marketing and selling the service.
The luxury mobile handset brand will run over NTT DoCoMo's network and is expected to launch in the second quarter of this year. Vertu will open its first Japanese store on 19 February, when it will take pre-orders for the handsets.
Established in 1998, Nokia's Vertu-branded luxury phones feature jewels and precious metals and retail for between €3,500 and €100,000. The handsets also feature a 'concierge key' that enables access to a round-the-clock personal assistant to help with travel, dining and entertaining arrangements.
This new business model in Japan marks a departure for Nokia, which usually offers phones via local mobile operators.