Huawei wins outsourcing deal in Switzerland

Chinese equipment vendor Huawei has won its largest managed services contract in Europe through a five year agreement with Sunrise in Switzerland. Huawei has been selected as the sole managed services partner for the fixed and mobile networks, including the transfer of staff from Sunrise and its previous technology partner.

Under the terms of the agreement, Huawei will be responsible for managing Sunrise’s mobile and fixed network, including internet and IPTV, in addition to providing a range of services encompassing design and planning, network development and integrated network performance management, field operations, network operations, and spare parts management.

Oliver Steil, CEO of Sunrise, said: “We look forward to rolling out our new network program, TQ Net, with our new partner Huawei. We chose to work with Huawei after a successful two-year co-operation, during which we saw ample evidence of the company’s innovative abilities and extensive experience. With our solid license basis, new technology partner, qualified employees and an ambitious network modernisation program, we will create the best network experience for our customers.”

Sunrise is owned by CVC Capital Partners, which bought the operator off Danish firm TDC in 2010 after ComCo, the Swiss Competition Commission ruled that the merger of France Telecom’s Orange Switzerland with Sunrise would not be allowed to go ahead. The regulatory authority said that the merger would give the firm too dominant a position in the Swiss market. As a result, TDC offloaded Sunrise and Orange has since been looking at a sale of its Swiss operation.