Nokia Networks completes acquisition of SAC Wireless

“We’re seeing a trend in which operators are moving away from sub-contracting their network implementation services and opting instead for a direct service provider or ‘self-perform’ model,” said Ricky Corker, executive vice president of North America for Nokia Networks. “SAC Wireless does this very well. With a national footprint and a proven track record of working with major telecom operators, SAC Wireless’ capabilities complement our own in-house expertise. We believe this will enable us to build an even stronger foundation for our U.S. services business and address a market opportunity to bring increased end-to-end efficiency to our customers.”

Operators are facing massive network expansions, new spectrum and more distributed antenna systems (DAS) and small cell implementations. Complexities surrounding site acquisition, permitting, sub-contractor availability and quality often hinder network rollout and time to market. As a result, operators want more direct control over their network deployments. The addition of SAC Wireless’ resources, including approximately 500 employees, is designed to address these challenges head-on.

“As new network densification technologies are introduced, we believe there will be a need for shortened deployment timelines and the ability to self-perform will become increasingly critical,” said Bill Koziel, president and CEO of SAC Wireless. “The teaming of Nokia Networks and SAC Wireless is a natural evolution of service solution providers in this industry. We look forward to expanding the reach of our network services technology as part of a global leader.”

SAC Wireless’ services include the SAC Wireless Engine Room™, a revolutionary process focused on managing site development, architectural and engineering, regulatory and compliance activities for national network programs. SAC Wireless also offers self-perform implementation of indoor and outdoor small cells and DAS, RF engineering and design, construction management and services, as well as turnkey program management of large scale network deployments.

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Nokia invests in technologies important in a world where billions of devices are connected. We are focused on three businesses: network infrastructure software, hardware and services, which we offer through Nokia Networks; location intelligence, which we provide through HERE; and advanced technology development and licensing, which we pursue through Nokia Technologies. Each of these businesses is a leader in its respective field.

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