ESPOO, Finland -- Nokia has reached a 5-year managed services agreement to run Hutchison Essar's network operations in 9 circles in India. Nokia will assume the operation of Hutchison Essar's networks in Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Chennai, Uttar Pradesh (East and West), Rajasthan, Haryana and West Bengal, thus allowing the operator to better focus on its customers and core activities.

The agreement, for which documentation is being finalized, calls for Nokia to provide an array of solutions from its extensive services portfolio, including network planning, project management, configuration and optimization, network operations and maintenance and the administration of third party vendor contract management. Nokia will also welcome over 600 Hutchison Essar staff into its Services business unit.

"Nokia's Managed Service know-how, plus its proven track record when it comes to operating and enhancing networks worldwide, were key drivers in helping us make this decision," says Asim Ghosh, Managing Director, Hutchison Essar Limited. "We are happy to be working with a leader in this area."

"We are delighted to extend our cooperation with Hutchison Essar to managed services," says Rajeev Suri, Senior Vice President, Networks, Nokia. "The services business has become increasingly important for Nokia. Our managed services will improve Hutchison Essar's cost structure and further enhance their service offerings."

Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK)