Nokia and BTC Mobility have signed an agreement to build one of Bermuda's most advanced wireless networks.

The agreement to build the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network includes core and radio access network equipment such as switching equipment, base stations, and base stations controllers, as well as radio transmission, network management and GPRS packet data solutions.

BTC Mobility, which has just been granted a cellular network license, says the implementation of the GSM network, which includes GPRS and EDGE ready capabilities, will position the company to offer state of the art voice and data products and services with global reach, and personal and business solutions that are uniquely designed to meet customers demands.

BTC Mobility general manager Stanley G. Wright said: "We are very pleased to partner with Nokia, knowing that we will have a first class infrastructure made by the world leader in mobile communications. BTC Mobility plans to develop complete business solutions that encompass application components that enable businesses to take advantage of opportunities to improve efficiency through wireless solutions."

Director of business development for Nokia networks, North America Steve Ballard said: "Nokia looks forward to a long and fruitful relationship with BTC Mobility in helping them build Bermuda's most advanced mobile network. This cooperation further demonstrates Nokia's commitment to providing complete GSM systems with both GPRS and EDGE capabilities and its goal of providing all carriers with a direct and cost effective path to next generation technologies while allowing for special efficiencies."

The Lewis Group are specialists in consulting for the planning and implementation of the network and president of the group, David Eason was also on hand for the signing of the agreement this week.

BTC Mobility first introduced cellular service to Bermuda in 1987 as a division of BTC and is currently the leading wireless service provider.