German mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) Vistream said Friday it has tapped Chinese kit vendor ZTE to build it a GSM and UMTS core network enabling it to resell services.

Vistream sees itself as an MVNO enabler – it buys in voice and data wholesale from network partner E-Plus but offers white label MVNO services using its own infrastructure.

ZTE said it will provide Vistream with network capacity for 500,000 subscribers, including an all-IP platform, ATCA (Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture) hardware infrastructure and advanced NGHLR (Next Generation Home Location Register) systems.

The project will also include geographic database disaster recovery features to help maximise the network’s reliability and lower the operator’s TCO (total cost of ownership).

Vistream said it was undertaking the upgrade as it prepares to enlarge its business across various European markets, “working in deep cooperation with various third party content providers.”