ZTE revealed further progress in Europe after its local German subsidiary scored two managed services deals with operators in the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
ZTE Services Deutschland agreed to provide voicemail hosting services for Dutch operator KPN, and also landed a deal to deploy, operate, and maintain the core network of Luxembourg-based operator Join Experience--a joint venture between JOIN Wireless and POST Luxembourg Group.
The KPN deal came into effect on Nov.1 and covers the hosting and maintenance of the operator's voicemail services for the next three years. The agreement builds on ZTE's existing network rollout deals with KPN covering 2G, 3G, and 4G networks in Germany and Belgium, the vendor noted.
ZTE's deal with Join is more comprehensive, covering end-to-end reporting on the radio network, rollout and maintenance, repairs, testing, and software upgrades to the operator's core network in Luxembourg and Belgium. ZTEsoft, a separate IT-focused subsidiary, will provide OSS and BSS services, and new software tools designed to improve end-user experience. The division is also tasked with providing a complete billing and payment management system to Join.
Claude Lüscher, general manager of Join Experience, said the deal advances the company's growth plans. "Join is planning to expand its mobile and IT services business from Luxembourg to other European countries, starting with Belgium in mid-November," he said, adding that ZTE is likely to be a long-term partner as Join moves into other European markets.
ZTE Services Deutschland general manager Xu Ziyang said the deals with KPN and Join Experience "are proof of our outstanding managed services capability and successful European sales strategy."
Europe has become a key international market for ZTE and its domestic rival Huawei after the pair were effectively locked out of the U.S. infrastructure market due to ongoing concerns about the security of the companies' kit.
The companies' prospects in Europe were improved late October, when the EU dropped a potential probe into allegations that China offers illegal subsidies to mobile equipment manufacturers.
For more:
- see this ZTE announcement
Related Articles:
Huawei commits £5M to UK 5G research centre
EU drops threats against Huawei, ZTE
E-Plus trials VoLTE on kit from ZTE
Huawei to increase procurement spending in Europe
Huawei spent $3.4B in Europe in 2013, plans more