ZTE is set to take full control of German operator E-Plus’ mobile network, as the pair expand an existing agreement into LTE technology.
The Chinese equipment vendor has won a five year managed services contract to build, operate and maintain E-Plus’ 4G network in Germany. The deal builds on a similar 3G contract signed in 2009, and simplifies execution of E-Plus’ network strategy, Andreas Pfisterer, the operator’s chief technology officer, says.
“We can take advantage of the synergies available as ZTE not only supplies the equipment, but also builds and operates the E-Plus network,” Pfisterer notes.
Betty Cui, vice president of ZTE and president of its European operations, says expanding the current deal “is a logical and consistent result of a close and trustful cooperation between our companies in recent years.”