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NEC and Siemens Information and Communication Mobile (Siemens mobile) have completed the first phase of Europe's first commercial 3G radio network for Hutchison 3G UK, trading as 3.

The 3G infrastructure partners have helped ensure that 3 UK is the first company to bring next generation wireless communications to UK mobile users.

NEC and Siemens mobile are supplying half of the 3G radio infrastructure required by 3 UK in contracts announced in April 2001. The companies are implementing the Radio Access Network (RAN) and Radio Network Controller (RNC) equipment across London and southern England. The pace of the rollout is without precedent in the industry: NEC and Siemens mobile have been installing up to 140 base stations per week.

"NEC and Siemens have developed an unrivalled track record in implementing 3G network solutions worldwide," said Ben Nakamura, Senior Vice President and member of the board at NEC Corporation. "Our fast and efficient delivery for 3 UK further underlines this pedigree, and bears testimony to the high calibre and commitment of our team."

"3G is now a reality for consumers. We are very happy to have played a vital role in this change," said Lothar Pauly, board member of Siemens Information and Communication Mobile. "The NEC/Siemens success in the pilot 3G networks on the Isle of Man and in Monaco last year already gave us the know-how and experience to develop and build commercial 3G networks. We have helped enable 3 UK to be the first to market."