Nokia, Ericsson to Build T-Mobile 3G Network

T-Mobile USA said Monday that it had selected both Nokia and Ericsson to help it build its 3G WCDMA network. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed, however the project likely falls under the $2-plus billion the company plans to spend on 3G services.

Nokia would provide the base stations necessary for T-Mobile owned towers in the South, Central, and Western states except for California. Ericsson would provide the towers in other regions covered by the carrier including New York City.

Services are expected to begin in mid-2007, according to previous statements by the company.

Deutsche Telekom is also banking on 3G as a way to keep its US arm competitive with other providers in the region, and to continue T-Mobile USA as a revenue driver for the entire company.

"WCDMA 3G technology will complement our existing GSM network with greater data through-put and provide a more cost-efficient radio technology," T-Mobile USA engineering senior vice president Neville Ray said.