Nokia fleshes out network deployment skills with second acquisition

In an acquisition double whammy that took place at the end of last week, Nokia Networks revealed that it picked up a second company, Israel-based Nice Systems, also for an undisclosed sum. The geolocation specialist will give Nokia enhancements in the planning and optimisation of mobile networks, the company said.

The deal marks a second surprise investment by the Finnish vendor. On Friday Nokia also announced it had entered into an agreement to acquire US-based network integration and deployment specialist SAC Wireless for an undisclosed sum.

Infrastructure contracts in the US are lucrative and SAC claims a national footprint and “proven performance track record working with major telecom operators.”

Nice Systems also helps the company flesh out its network deployment offering. Advanced geolocation capabilities enhance the planning and optimization of mobile networks and provide deep insight into traffic trends and the performance of mobile broadband networks.

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Geolocation is a technique used to determine the precise physical location of events that occur in a mobile network, such as dropped calls. Through analysis of such events make it possible to gain a better understanding of typical subscribers’ mobile broadband experience.

“Advanced network planning and optimization services are at the forefront of Nokia Networks’ strategic services to mobile operators. The evolution of small cells and LTE necessitates more accurate 3-D geolocation capabilities. Nokia Networks intends to enhance this unique solution in order to offer superior services to our customers, regardless of which network gear they use,” said Dennis Lorenzin, head of Network Planning and Optimization at the Global Services business unit of Nokia Networks.