Telecoms service provider ZTE has signed a global cooperation agreement with operator Telefónica, strengthening an existing arrangement whereby ZTE becomes the primary technology partner of Telefónica.
ZTE, which operates in 160 countries, already delivers several network solutions for Telefónica across 2G, 3G, and LTE radio access networks, fixed access networks, high capacity optical transport networks, internet protocol radio access networks (IPRAN) and the like.
The new agreement looks to increase ZTE’s involvement in areas where it is already working with Telefónica, and deepen the partnership on next-generation network innovations such as the development of ultra-high broadband via gigabit passive optical network (GPON) technology.
“Telefónica is constantly exploring new technologies that will provide a best-in-class user experience for our customers,” said José María Álvarez-Pallete López, chief operating officer (COO) at Telefónica.
“We see ZTE as one of our key technology partners in helping us support the ever increasing communication needs of the future. Partnering with ZTE will also support our vision of being a smart, digital telco, primed to lead the digital transformation.”
“ZTE is delighted to work with Telefónica, the leader in network innovation in Europe and Latin America,” said Lirong Shi, president of ZTE.
“We are expecting unprecedented connection demands in the mobile information and communication technology (M-ICT) era. We are committed to providing a ubiquitous access, elastic network, and digital service telecom operation and network evolution concept to help Telefónica realise its network values and make key breakthroughs.”