VHA hands network integration to Nokia Siemens

The seven-year outsourced agreement will see Nokia Siemens Networks undertake the complicated task integrating Vodafone's and Hutchison's mobile networks. This will include service management for a number of key parts of VHA’s mobile network – such as core, transmission, and radio networks - and equipment supply.

“This is a significant step towards delivering an improved network experience for our customers and realising important cost efficiencies following the merger,” VHA chief executive Nigel Dews said in a statement.

Nokia Siemens Networks will also manage a number of VHA’s third-party providers and provide support for business systems, and network operations.

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As part of the consolidation, Nokia Siemens Networks will expand its mobile softswitch (MSS) and home location register (HLR) – enabling VHA to evolve towards a single database for all its subscriber information.

It is believed Nokia Siemens Network beat Huawei and Hutchison’s incumbent network service provider Ericsson for the lucrative contract.

It is expected that both Vodafone and Hutchison will phase out current wholesale partnerships and commercial arrangements before attempting to merge their networks.

Vodafone shares its metropolitan 3G network with Optus, while Hutchison has roaming and network sharing agreements with Telstra's 850MHz Next G network.

VHA is hoping the successful integration of its disparate networks and businesses will result in $2 billion worth of savings for the company.