NASPO ValuePoint Taps Nokia for microwave packet radio deployment in USA

Nokia has been selected by the NASPO ValuePoint (NVP) as a supplier of packet microwave communications technology for state and local governments in the United States.

Through this agreement, governments looking to modernize their mission-critical communications networks with advanced microwave technology can now access the industry's leading packet microwave portfolio at pre-approved prices and terms, greatly simplifying the contracting and negotiation process.

The agreement with NASPO ValuePoint comes at a time when state and local governments throughout the United States are either upgrading or planning to upgrade their networks to support services for government employees such as first responders, public safety officials and public works teams.

NASPO ValuePoint is the purchasing cooperative of the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO). NASPO is a non-profit association made up of the directors of the central purchasing offices in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories, and acts on behalf of its members to establish best practices for purchasing.

Nokia's 9500 Microwave Packet Radio (MPR), is a market-leading, full packet, multi-service platform that supports both traditional TDM services and Ethernet-based services. As opposed to more rigid hybrid solutions, this future-proof approach enables a smooth evolution to modern packet-based applications, enriching first responders' situational awareness and helping to strengthen government organizations.

As importantly, the Nokia microwave portfolio was developed with public sector entities' stringent requirements for security, reliability and resiliency in mind. The contract also covers Nokia's Network Services Platform, the management system for the 9500 MPR.

This agreement builds on Nokia's strong track record in providing mission-critical networks to governments around the world. It also highlights the progress of Nokia's strategy of expanding its customer base outside of the traditional telecommunications sphere, a key focus of the company's diversification efforts.

Bob Fennelly, head of Public Sector Business, North America at Nokia, said: "Our government customers are seeing the benefits of the shift toward a digital society, which offers a variety of improvements to the efficiency of their operational teams. We believe that our full-packet multi-service microwave platforms are a key element in building the networks that not only satisfy today's rigorous demands but also facilitate the evolution to future applications."