E-Plus and ZTE Expand Relationship
8 July, Shenzhen, China – ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment, network solutions and mobile devices, is broadening its strategic partnership with the E-Plus Group and, in future, will operate and maintain the E-Plus network. ZTE has extensive international experience in the field of managed services and for several years has been a key partner during E-Plus’s comprehensive network expansion.
The E-Plus Group is delivering greater efficiency, flexibility and effectiveness as part of the broad-based evolution of its network infrastructure to high-speed 4G. The operator has a growing need to build out and maintain its network, and its customers are also expecting consistently high network quality. To help meet these challenges, E-Plus has signed an agreement with ZTE as a managed service partner in Germany. Under the five-year contract, ZTE will be responsible for building, operating and maintaining the E-Plus network. The E-Plus Group will retain ownership over the network and maintain control over strategic network planning and development.
“We can take advantage of the synergies available as ZTE not only supplies the equipment but also builds and operates the E-Plus network,” said Andreas Pfisterer, Chief Technology Officer at the E-Plus Group. “ZTE is a perfect partner for successfully implementing our network strategy and with the transfer of network operation we have taken our partnership to the next level.” The E-Plus Group has been working with ZTE since 2009 to expand its UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system) network and upgrade its core network. E-Plus made the decision in February to contract ZTE as its supplier and partner in the company’s expansion of its LTE network in Germany.
“The fact that ZTE is taking over the maintenance and servicing of the mobile communications infrastructure of E-Plus as part of a managed services contract proves the capability of ZTE to deliver first class services and solutions. This step is a logical and consistent result of a close and trustful cooperation between our companies in recent years,” said Betty Cui, President Europe Region and Vice President of ZTE Corporation. “Our goal is to support and ensure the long term success of E-Plus.”
About ZTE
ZTE is a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions with the most comprehensive product range covering virtually every telecommunications sector, including wireless, access & bearer, VAS, terminals and professional services. The company delivers innovative, custom-made products and services to over 500 operators in more than 160 countries, helping them to meet the changing needs of their customers while growing revenue. ZTE commits 10 per cent of its annual revenue to research and development and has leadership roles in several international bodies devoted to developing telecommunications industry standards. ZTE is committed to corporate social responsibility and is a member of the UN Global Compact. The company is China’s only listed telecom manufacturer that is publicly traded on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ). For more information, please visit www.zte.com.cn.
About the E-Plus Group
The E-Plus Group is the challenger on the German mobile communications market. Simple services tailored to customer needs and a major reduction in call and data charges can be traced back to the initiative of the third-largest mobile network operator by subscribers in Germany. After revolutionizing the voice market for larger user groups now the company opens the mobile data market for the masses by its accelerated network roll-out and highly attractive low-priced data tariff schemes. As a result of innovative business models, modern structures and strong partnerships the E-Plus Group was able to strengthen its market position and show a dynamic and profitable development.
Since 2005 E-Plus Mobilfunk GmbH & Co. KG has developed into a family of brands offering target group-specific services and thus breaks new ground in mobile communications in Germany. The E-Plus Group brands include the flat rate brand BASE, leading mobile discounters simyo and blau and the original E-Plus brand that offers a wide range of services to its customers. The ethnic brands AY YILDIZ and Ortel Mobile address customers with foreign origin in Germany. And the latest addition yourfone.de has opened the market for all-net flat-rates in the postpaid segment. The partners of the E-Plus group include many other brands, such as MEDIONmobile (ALDI TALK) and music TV station MTV.
23.4 million customers are using the network of the E-Plus Group to make calls and send text messages or data. The Group generates annual revenues of €3.4 billion (2012) and employs more than 4,000 people (FTE) in Germany.
