Global mobile vendor Nokia plans to open a Global Networks Operation Centre in India by the end of the year, strengthening its focus on one of the world's fastest-growing telecommunications markets.
The centre will perform network operation tasks primarily for selected operators in the Asia Pacific region as well as Europe, the Middle East and Africa as part of Nokia's managed services offering.
The location of the site, which will initially employ up to 100 people, will be unveiled at a later date, company's Executive Vice President and General Manager (Networks) Simon Beresford-Wylie said here.
It is the latest investment by Nokia in the market, continuing a decade-long relationship that started with the first-ever cellular call in India, which was made on a Nokia mobile phone and a Nokia-deployed network.
"Given Nokia's strong commitment to its expanding services business, plus the positive experience it has enjoyed in India as both a growth and services market, the decision to locate the operation center in India was an easy one to make," Simon Beresford-Wylie said.
"The Networks Operation Centre is a firm step towards further enhancing our global reach to better serve our customers. We are aligning with their needs to keep costs in check and improve the services they provide in an ever-tougher market," adds Bosco Novak, Senior Vice President for Services, Networks, Nokia.
Nokia has contracted managed services with 34 clients in 28 countries, and has provided operating services for over 20 operators globally, helping them with the day-to-day tasks of running their networks so they can focus on bolstering their business offerings.
With its unique Nokia NetAct(TM) network and service management system, Nokia is a leader in this growing market.
In India, Nokia's operations include networks and terminals sales divisions, three Research and Development facilities and an upcoming manufacturing facility in Chennai that will produce both terminals and GSM infrastructure equipment.